All Dive Regions
421 dive regions across 116 countries worldwide
Albania(3 regions)
Ksamil
Albania · Mediterranean & Europe
Ksamil. We love this little slice of Albania. It’s got that Ionian Sea sparkle, you know, the kind where the water just glows turquoise, especially with the Corfu Channel pushing in that clear stuff. Forget the crowded beaches sometimes, the real beauty here is just offshore. Our favourite dives are around the small islands, where the posidonia meadows shimmer in the sun. You’ll find White Seabream darting between the fronds, and we’ve spotted plenty of Painted Combers too, just chilling amongst the rocks. Visibility often stretches to 20 metres or more, making it a dream for spotting things like Scorpionfish hunkered down, or the occasional dusky grouper lurking in the deeper pockets. The wreck dives are mostly beginner-friendly, and you can spend a whole no-decompression limit exploring the nooks. Keep an eye out for European squid gliding past; they’re pretty common. Summer offers the warmest water, naturally, but we find the shoulder seasons, late spring or early autumn, bring slightly fewer boats and still offer excellent conditions. It’s never going to blow your mind with huge pelagics, but for a relaxed, pretty dive, Ksamil delivers.
Saranda
Albania · Mediterranean & Europe
The main dive hub on Albania's riviera, with WWII wrecks, ancient amphora sites, and cave systems along the coast.
Vlora
Albania · Mediterranean & Europe
Vlora is where the Adriatic truly flexes its muscles, and we think it’s one of the most underrated spots in the Med. We’ve spent weeks here, mostly exploring the Karaburun-Sazan marine park, and it consistently delivers. You’ll find yourself drifting along sheer walls, often spotting schools of blue whiting darting past, or perhaps a Streaked Gurnard kicking up sand on the seabed. The wreck diving here is a real draw; there are a few submerged relics that have become fantastic artificial reefs, with red mullet and hake now calling them home. Our favourite time to dive Vlora is late spring when the water is warming up, but the summer crowds haven't quite descended. That's when we've had our best encounters with some of the larger residents, including a memorable sighting of a Cape Shark patrolling a rocky outcrop. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, especially the Mediterranean tapeweed waving in the current and the delicate Little Astarte Clams nestled in the sand. Currents can be a factor, especially at the point where the two seas meet, so it's always worth chatting with the local dive centres about the best times for specific sites. Vlora might not have the coral gardens of the tropics, but for dramatic Mediterranean diving, it’s a serious contender.
Anguilla(3 regions)
Dog Island
Anguilla · Caribbean
Remote uninhabited island with walls, drift dives, and the best chance of encountering reef sharks and eagle rays.
Sandy Island
Anguilla · Caribbean
Sandy Island. It’s a tiny speck on the map, a postcard-perfect cay that feels like it’s just for you, and the diving here really capitalizes on that secluded vibe. We love how the reef slopes gently from the island, making for super relaxed dives where you can really take your time. You’ll spot plenty of coney and French grunt hanging out, plus the occasional Atlantic lookdown shimmering past. Our favourite part has to be the surprisingly healthy hard coral; the elkhorn formations are particularly impressive, especially considering some of the hurricane activity these islands have seen. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 meters, which lets you appreciate the sheer scale of the reef. We always see green turtles here, lazily munching on seagrass, and there are usually a few southern stingrays too. For something a little different, keep an eye out for the delicate hourglass basslet tucked into crevices - they're tiny but beautiful. The currents are typically mild, making it a great spot for newer divers or those who just want to chill out and observe. If you can time it, an early morning dive before the day boats arrive offers the quietest experience.
Shoal Bay
Anguilla · Caribbean
Anguilla's most popular diving area, with shallow coral gardens, nurse sharks, and excellent snorkelling off a world-famous beach.
Antigua & Barbuda(2 regions)
Antigua South Coast
Antigua & Barbuda · Caribbean
The Antigua South Coast is our pick for a more varied dive experience on the island, especially if you’re into poking around old wrecks. You get a solid mix here, from shallow patch reefs perfect for beginners to a few decent wrecks that offer a bit more to explore. We’ve always appreciated the calm conditions inside the bays, making for some truly relaxed dives. You'll find the usual Caribbean suspects-parrotfish grazing, angelfish darting through the gorgonians-but what really grabs our attention are the little guys. We often spot things like the Bluegold Goby perched on coral heads, or the tiny, elusive American Pugnose Pipefish if you really slow down and look. Our favourite site has to be the wreck of the *Andes*. It’s not a deep dive, around 8-10 meters, so you get heaps of bottom time. The ship is draped in soft corals, and we’ve seen schools of Grey Snapper swirling around the superstructure. Visibility averages around 15-20 metres, dropping a bit after heavy rain, but generally, it’s a bright, welcoming kind of dive. Stronger currents can be a factor further out, but most of the main sites are pretty sheltered. If you want a break from just reef, this is a good bet.
Barbuda
Antigua & Barbuda · Caribbean
Barbuda. Just saying the name conjures images of empty beaches, and that’s pretty much what you get underwater too. This isn’t a place you just show up and dive; there are no dive centres here, so you’ll be coming over from Antigua on a private charter, which, honestly, is part of the appeal. You’re trading convenience for genuine remoteness. The reefs here feel untouched. We’re talking about finding enormous barrel sponges and gorgonians the size of dinner tables, not the usual stunted growth you see at busier spots. We love the dramatic drop-offs on the north side, where the reef really plunges into the deep blue. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics moving through there. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 metres, so you can really appreciate the scale. Our favourite site is probably the wreck of the George S. This old freighter is a magnet for schooling fish and we’ve seen some seriously chunky tiger groupers lurking in its shadows. On the deeper edges, we’ve even spotted gulper sharks, which is a real treat if you’re comfortable on those deeper dives. If you’re lucky enough to be there during nesting season, you might even see a Leatherback Sea Turtle cruising past. The currents can pick up, so it’s definitely one for the intermediate diver, but the reward is worth the effort. It’s a proper expedition, not just another dive.
Argentina(4 regions)
Bahía Bustamante
Argentina · South America
A remote Patagonian bay with penguin colonies, sea lion haul-outs, and pristine kelp forest diving in nutrient-rich waters.
Mar del Plata
Argentina · South America
Mar del Plata might not be the first place that springs to mind for South American diving, but for those of us living in Buenos Aires, it’s our go-to for ocean diving. We love that it’s so accessible, just a few hours' drive, offering a genuine escape from the city buzz. What you'll find here is a cool mix: some fascinating wrecks, vibrant temperate reefs, and the sheer joy of diving alongside wild sea lions. During the austral summer, from December to March, the water warms up a bit, making it the best time to explore. The visibility averages around 10-15 meters, sometimes pushing 20 meters on a good day, but honestly, it’s the sheer density of life that grabs you. Our favourite dives are definitely around the sea lion colonies. Dropping down, you're immediately surrounded by these playful giants, their sleek bodies twisting and turning, sometimes nudging your fins. It’s an exhilarating, boisterous experience, their barks even muffled underwater. Beyond the sea lions, the wrecks are full of life. Schools of stripy and kingfish dart through the decaying structures, and if you’re lucky, you might spot an apron ray tucked into a crevice or a Chilean angel shark cruising along the seabed. The reef ecosystems are dotted with smallnose fanskates and elf, a real contrast to the tropical sites we often visit. It's a different kind of beauty, a bit rugged, a bit wild, and thoroughly rewarding.
Puerto Madryn
Argentina · South America
Puerto Madryn is an interesting spot, definitely Patagonia’s diving capital. You’re not coming here for tropical reefs, that much is clear. This is cold water diving, and it's all about the marine mammals. From June to December, the southern right whales are the main attraction, sometimes cruising right past the dive boats. Outside of whale season, you’ll find plenty of sea lions and elephant seals. The occasional orca sighting from the boat is always a thrill. Expect good visibility on calm days, though it can drop after heavy winds. The reef structures are mostly rocky with kelp forests, home to species like blue mussels and Cancellated Clams, but the bigger draw is the wildlife.
Ushuaia & Tierra del Fuego
Argentina · South America
The world's southernmost diving with kelp forests, king crabs, and sub-Antarctic marine life.
Aruba
Australia(12 regions)
Christmas Island
Australia · Australasia
Christmas Island, out in the Indian Ocean, is a place that feels genuinely remote. We love a good wall dive, and these aren’t just any walls. They drop sharply, often to absurd depths, straight into the abyss. It’s where you’ll often find yourself eye-to-eye with a Gray Reef Shark patrolling the blue, or just hanging out watching the thermocline ripple past. The real magic here, though, is the sheer scale. We’ve seen whale sharks cruise by so close you could feel the displacement of water, and manta rays glide past like silent alien spacecraft. The reefs themselves are a healthy mix of Staghorn and Montipora corals, often punctuated by enormous Corrugated corals that just demand a closer look. Our favourite is spotting the Desjardin's Sailfin Tangs, their dorsal fins almost comically large as they nibble at the reef. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the vibrant Zebra Blenny popping out of its hole. Current can be a factor, so be prepared for some serious drift dives along those incredible walls.
Cocos (Keeling) Islands
Australia · Australasia
Cocos Keeling. You’ll say it with a sigh after you’ve been. This isn't your everyday Australian dive trip; it's a commitment, a journey into true Indian Ocean remoteness. With just one dive centre and 37 sites, you get a real sense of exclusivity. We love the drift dives here, a gentle push over reef walls where lineated butterflyfish and two-tone wrasse flit past in impressive numbers. Visibility holds strong, often pushing past 25 metres, giving you ample time to spot the more unusual residents like the black spotted garden eels swaying in unison from the sand flats. Our favourite moments often involve the manta rays gliding silently overhead or the playful dolphins that sometimes join your safety stop. The stony corals here, particularly the staghorn and leaf varieties, are remarkably healthy, painting the reef in subtle, earthy tones. It’s a place to slow down, to really observe. Be aware, strong currents can pick up, so listen to the local guides; they know the eddies and the best times to hit a site for a relaxed drift. It’s a real frontier feeling, without the crowds.
Coral Sea
Australia · Australasia
The Coral Sea is where we go when we want to feel small, truly insignificant, in the best possible way. This isn't your average shore dive; we're talking remote pinnacles erupting from thousands of metres of blue, sometimes with a fair bit of current to keep things interesting. Our pick is Osprey Reef, specifically North Horn. You descend into what feels like a natural amphitheatre, and then the grey reef sharks start to appear, not in a frantic feeding frenzy, but circling, curious, in an almost balletic display. We love the sheer scale of the walls here, often adorned with huge colonies of Montipora and Galaxea coral. Keep an eye out for enormous Humpnose Unicornfish cruising the deeper sections and those pretty Line Butterflyfish fluttering in the shallows. Diving Osprey in the Australian winter (June to August) often brings clearer water and a slightly better chance of pelagics, though the thermocline can be noticeable. Expect deep blue, serious visibility, and the kind of wide-angle photography opportunities that fill entire memory cards. It’s wild, proper open ocean stuff.
Great Barrier Reef
Australia · Australasia
Okay, let’s be real. The Great Barrier Reef is enormous. We're talking 2,300 kilometres of reef. So when people ask what diving is like here, our honest answer is, "Which bit?" What we love, though, is how accessible so much of it is, especially for new divers. The sheer scale means you're almost guaranteed to find a spot that clicks, whether you’re easing into a shallow reef or drifting along a deeper wall. You'll spend most dives finning over gentle slopes thick with Flowerpot and Turbinaria corals, where schools of Princess Parrotfish graze with almost cartoonish indifference. Keep an eye out for the Flashlight Fish, a personal favourite, with its bioluminescent eye patches. Visibility often pushes past 20 metres, giving you a chance to really soak in the colours. Our tip: if you’re coming between June and August, look into trips north of Cairns. That’s when the dwarf minke whales roll through. Hearing their calls underwater is something else, a low hum that vibrates through your chest. It’s a truly humbling experience to be in the water with them. The currents are generally mild, but a few of the outer sites can have a gentle push, perfect for a relaxed drift past silver-cheeked toadfish.
Lord Howe Island
Australia · Australasia
Lord Howe Island, a speck of volcanic rock way out in the Tasman Sea, feels like stepping back in time. It’s the world’s southernmost coral reef, and that alone makes it special. We love the drift dives, letting the current carry you over healthy corals, a surprising mix of tropical and temperate species. You’ll spot greenback stingarees tucked under ledges and rusty catsharks cruising the seafloor. Visibility here is often ridiculously good, making the pinnacles like Ball’s Pyramid feel even more dramatic as they rise from the deep. Our favourite time to visit is during the cooler months when the water is crisp and the pelagics are more active. Keep an eye out for snapper and dory darting amongst the schools of Pacific sardines. It's a proper adventure to get here, but completely worth it for the quiet, uncrowded diving and that unique blend of marine life.
Ningaloo Reef
Australia · Australasia
Ningaloo Reef really delivers on the promise of an accessible fringing reef. We’ve had some fantastic encounters here, particularly between March and July when the whale sharks are in town, gliding past with surprising grace. Beyond the big fellas, expect to drift over reefs thick with fusiliers, spot the occasional tiger shark cruising through, and keep an eye out for banded toadfish tucked into crevices. Visibility often hits 20 metres or more, making it easy to watch the little pied cormorants dart past. The conditions generally stay pretty calm, making it a good spot for a relaxed few dives.
Rowley Shoals
Australia · Australasia
Rowley Shoals is a commitment, pure and simple. You’re sailing 300km off the Kimberley coast, so this isn't a quick hop. What you get in return, though, is some of Australia’s most vibrant, remote reef diving. We love the sheer energy here, the way the currents sweep through the atolls, bringing in pelagics and keeping the coral in exceptional condition. Visibility is often absurd, 30 meters plus, making those deep walls even more dramatic. We've seen schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily block out the sun, and the sheer number of parrotfish, like the Batavian, munching on coral is impressive. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, we’ve spotted Moorea Pygmygobies tucked away if you look carefully. The best time to visit is during the calmer months, typically September to November, when the ocean swells are less pronounced, making those liveaboard journeys much more comfortable. Don't expect dive shops, this is expedition diving.
South Australia
Australia · Australasia
If you’re seeking something truly unique in Australian waters, South Australia delivers. Forget what you think you know about Aussie diving; this isn't about tropical sun and rainbow reefs. Here, it’s about the drama of the deep, the thrill of the hunt, and some truly bizarre, beautiful critters you won’t find elsewhere. We love the chillier waters here, particularly for the sheer diversity of temperate species. Our absolute favourite has to be the annual giant cuttlefish aggregation off Whyalla. Imagine thousands of these intelligent chameleons putting on a courtship display, flashing colours from iridescent blues to deep purples, swirling and battling for mates. It’s an otherworldly spectacle, best experienced between May and August, though dress warm for the surface interval. For something a little less dramatic but equally captivating, Rapid Bay Jetty offers incredible macro opportunities. Look closely among the pylons and you might spot the elusive leafy sea dragon, swaying gently like kelp. The surge can be a bit much sometimes, but the reward is worth the patient entry. And yes, if you’re feeling brave, the Great White shark cage diving here is as intense as it sounds. We’d suggest a few stiff drinks afterwards, but it's an undeniable adrenaline rush.
Sydney & New South Wales
Australia · Australasia
Forget everything you think you know about Australian diving outside the tropics. Sydney and regional New South Wales serve up some truly unique experiences. We love the dramatic topography; think caves, pinnacles, and walls carved by ancient currents, all blanketed in temperate corals and sponges. This is a place for the macro enthusiast, where you can spend an hour combing a single patch of kelp for pygmy pipehorses or the elusive weedy sea dragon. Our favourite spots often involve a bit of a journey. Fish Rock Cave near South West Rocks is a non-negotiable, a grey nurse shark highway in an enormous tunnel. Diving through it, with the sharks gliding past, feels like entering another world. Or head to Kurnell in Botany Bay for guaranteed weedy sea dragon sightings, often in surprisingly shallow water, the light filtering through the kelp. Wreck divers will find plenty to keep them busy too, from historic tugboats to naval vessels. The visibility can vary quite a bit, but when it's good, it’s stunning, and even on an average day, the sheer density of small critters makes up for it. Winter brings clearer water and the chance of migrating pelagics, while summer warms things up, making for longer bottom times. Just be prepared for cooler water temperatures year-round - a decent 7mm suit is your friend here.
Tasmania
Australia · Australasia
Dramatic kelp forests, weedy sea dragons, and pristine temperate reefs.
Victoria
Australia · Australasia
Port Phillip Bay's piers and artificial reefs, weedy sea dragons at Flinders, and the Shipwreck Coast. Melbourne divers enjoy year-round temperate diving.
Western Australia - South
Australia · Australasia
We often talk about WA’s north, but the south coast is a completely different beast, and honestly, we love it for its wild, rugged charm. This isn’t your typical tropical reef diving, and that’s precisely its appeal. Think cooler waters, dramatic granite formations, and a rawness that feels truly Australian. Our favourite spots are dotted along the coast. Albany’s HMAS Perth wreck is a proper adventure, a large, intact vessel that feels like a ghost ship as you swim through its corridors. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light shafts piercing through are incredible, and the deck guns are always a photo op. Further east, Bremer Bay is where the true magic happens, specifically for orcas. If you hit it right, usually between January and April, you’ll be out on the water, watching these majestic predators hunt. We’ve seen full breaching and tail slapping; it’s genuinely humbling. You might even find some mako sharks cruising the deeper waters. Esperance offers something a bit gentler, with stunningly clear water over granite reefs, perfect for a relaxed dive. We’d suggest keeping an eye out for the endemic species like the Blue Rock Whiting here; they’re quite pretty against the pink granite. While not traditionally known for its "colourful" reefs, the sheer scale of the granite formations and the unique temperate species make this region a standout for those looking beyond the usual.
Bahamas(8 regions)
Abaco
Bahamas · Caribbean
We’ve always thought of Abaco as the Bahamas’ boating heartland, and diving here feels like a natural extension of that easygoing, sail-first vibe. The reefs are generally calm and shallow, making it a dream for those who like to take their time exploring. Think long, relaxed dives over coral heads, particularly in the Fowl Cay Underwater National Park. That’s our favourite spot, where you’ll find schools of dark green parrotfish chowing down on the coral and fairy basslets flitting between the nooks. The real showstoppers for us are the blue holes. It’s a completely different feel dropping into those, like entering another world. We’ve drifted through schools of round scad so thick it felt like swimming through glitter, and the light filtering down from the surface is just magic. Visibility tends to be excellent year-round, but we’d suggest late spring for the most consistently glassy conditions. You might even spot a melon-headed whale offshore if you’re lucky, especially during migratory seasons. Don’t expect raging currents or huge pelagics every dive, but for laid-back exploration and a real sense of peace underwater, Abaco truly delivers.
Andros
Bahamas · Caribbean
Andros is where we go when we crave a proper wall dive, the kind that feels like you’re dropping off the edge of the world. The Tongue of the Ocean, a deep oceanic trench, runs alongside the island, creating an epic drop from around 20 metres down to over 2,000. It’s a dizzying, dark blue expanse. On the shallower reef sections before the drop, we often spot Coney and Threespot Damselfish darting through the coral, but it’s the wall itself that mesmerises. We’ve hovered there, peering into the abyss, occasionally catching a fleeting glimpse of something truly alien, like a Fangtooth or a Spotted Lanternfish, brought up from the depths by the currents. For something completely different, the island's interior blue holes are fascinating. These freshwater cenotes, often connected to the ocean, offer a surreal dive experience. Visibility can vary, but the light shafts cutting through the tannin-stained water create an ethereal glow. We love drifting through the silent, cavernous spaces, keeping an eye out for the Papillate Clingfish adhering to the walls. Entry can be a bit rugged, so a good guide is essential. Currents can be present on the outer reef walls, particularly around points, so listen to the dive brief.
Bimini
Bahamas · Caribbean
Bimini has carved out a reputation as a big animal hotspot, and honestly, we agree. It’s the place to be for hammerhead shark encounters, especially from December to April. We’ve spent many mornings feeling the thrum of the boat engine, knowing we're heading out to meet these magnificent sharks. Beyond the hammerheads, the bull shark dives are a real adrenaline rush, putting you face-to-face with powerful predators, often in surprisingly clear water. Dive into the famous Bimini Road, a geological puzzle locals will tell you is part of the lost city of Atlantis. We’ve finned slowly over those ancient-looking stones, imagining what stories they hold. The surrounding reefs are healthy, not just a backdrop for sharks. You’ll find impressive grooved brain coral formations, and we’ve spotted plenty of inquisitive sailfin blennies peeking out. Visibility here is generally good, often exceeding 20 meters, though strong currents can pick up, particularly around the deeper walls. Our tip? Go early in the morning for the calmest conditions and fewer boats.
Eleuthera & Harbour Island
Bahamas · Caribbean
Eleuthera and Harbour Island have a quiet charm that’s hard to beat, especially if you’re looking to escape the busier Bahamian dive hubs. We love the dramatic wall dives here, often starting shallow and then just dropping away into the blue, speckled with huge barrel sponges and gorgonians. Keep an eye out for mottled conger morays tucked into crevices and parrotfish grazing on the reef. One of our favourite things about this area is the current-swept channels. They’re a magnet for pelagics, so if you’re after something bigger, this is where you’ll find it. We’ve had some cracking encounters with reef sharks and schooling jacks here, the kind of dive where you just drift along and let the ocean unfold around you. For something a bit more relaxed, the shallower reefs are brilliant for spotting nurse sharks lounging on the sand and those vibrant sheepshead minnows darting among the corals. The pink sand beaches topside are iconic, and the underwater scenery is just as colourful, though in a more subtle, natural way. We'd suggest going in late spring for the calmest conditions, though the diving is good year-round.
Exuma Cays
Bahamas · Caribbean
The Exuma Cays, in our opinion, are what the Bahamas are all about - healthy reefs, a bit of drift, and that classic vivid blue water. We love the sheer variety here, especially within the Land and Sea Park. You’ll spend a morning soaring past colourful parrotfish and schools of horse-eye jacks on a gentle drift, then drop onto a wall teeming with blackfin blennies and glass gobies later the same day. Our favourite spots often involve a bit of current, which keeps things interesting and brings in the bigger stuff. Keep an eye out for lemon sharks cruising the sandy channels; they’re a regular sight, particularly around the northern cays. Visibility is usually excellent, often 30 metres plus, making those deeper wall sections truly spectacular. Just remember, there are no dive centres directly in the Cays, so you’ll be coming by liveaboard or day boat from Nassau. It's a small trade-off for truly pristine diving.
Long Island
Bahamas · Caribbean
Long Island in the Bahamas is a different beast entirely. We’re not talking about those bustling dive hubs; this is where you go to really escape. With no dive centres listed, planning takes a bit more grit, but that’s exactly what makes it special. You’ll be arranging boat charters, likely with a local fisherman, and diving on your own terms. Dean's Blue Hole is the big draw, and for good reason. Dropping to an astonishing 202 metres, it’s a dizzying descent even for experienced freedivers, let alone us bubble-blowers. We've taken a few breaths down to the shallower edges, around the 30-metre mark, where the light shifts dramatically and the walls close in. It’s an eerie, captivating place. But don’t let the blue hole overshadow the reef diving. The wall dives here are exceptional, uncrowded and vibrant. We’ve had incredible encounters with reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs, moving with an elegant power. Keep an eye out for the smaller, more unusual stuff too - the Fringed Filefish, for example, is a master of camouflage. The Golden-lined Marginella is another little oddity we love spotting. Surface conditions are generally calm in summer, making for some truly serene dives. Stronger currents can be present on the outer walls, so good buoyancy is key.
Nassau & New Providence
Bahamas · Caribbean
Nassau. Yeah, we know, it’s often your first stop in the Bahamas, maybe a bit bustling, but don’t sleep on the diving around New Providence. For us, the big draw here is the variety you can pack into a few days. You’ve got the *Thunderball* wreck, a proper film star, sitting around 12 metres. It’s been down there long enough to feel like a real wreck, encrusted and attracting plenty of resident fish. Schools of blennies dart in and out, and we’ve spotted frogfish camouflaged on the plating more than once. Then there are the shark dives. Stuart Cove’s is pretty famous for them. You're kneeling on the sand, surrounded by grey reef sharks. It’s exhilarating, maybe a bit intense for some, but it’s a controlled experience and a real adrenaline rush. Beyond the sharks and wrecks, the edge of the Tongue of the Ocean offers some lovely reef drifts. We've seen schools of fusiliers so thick they block the sun, and the occasional spotted eagle ray gliding past. The visibility usually holds up well, especially in the calmer summer months, though currents can pick up a bit on those outer reefs. Our favourite tip? Get on an early boat; you’ll have the sites pretty much to yourselves.
San Salvador
Bahamas · Caribbean
Remote and rarely dived, San Salvador's vertical walls start in just 10 metres of water and plunge thousands of metres into the Atlantic. Pristine and uncrowded wall diving.
Barbados(2 regions)
South Coast
Barbados · Caribbean
The South Coast of Barbados is where we usually send divers looking for straightforward, rewarding Caribbean diving without too much fuss. It's a sweet spot for beginners, but there's enough here to keep intermediate divers happy too. We’ve recorded over 700 species here. Expect a good mix of healthy reef and accessible wrecks, often with a gentle push from the current that makes for some lovely drift dives. Our favourite wreck here is the Berwyn, a tugboat sitting upright in about 8 meters of water. It’s a cracker for new divers, totally intact and home to a resident population of pufferfish and a few curious grunts that will swim right up to your mask. You can spend a good chunk of a dive just circling it. For something a little deeper, the reefs off Oistins are worth checking out. We often see blennies darting into crevices and have even spotted the odd fierce pike smelt zipping by on a drift. The visibility is consistently good, especially in the calmer summer months, though you can get some exciting drift on the deeper sites when the current picks up. If you're staying in St. Lawrence Gap, this area is super convenient, just a short boat ride out.
West Coast
Barbados · Caribbean
Barbados’ West Coast is where we head when we want easy diving and reliable turtle sightings. The Caribbean side truly lives up to its name for calmness; we’ve rarely encountered anything more than a gentle sway here, making it perfect for longer bottom times. You’ll spend most of your dives drifting gently past low-lying reef structures and a scattering of wrecks, often with a green sea turtle or hawksbill cruising alongside you. Our favourite spots are always the wrecks, especially the Stavronikita. She’s an old freighter, sunk deliberately as an artificial reef, and the way the light filters through her upper decks makes for some striking photography. Look closely in the nooks and crannies for curious little blennies like the Checkered and Longfin, and you’ll often find schools of Atlantic spadefish schooling over the mast. We’ve also had some fantastic encounters with large schools of grunt and drumfish that seem completely unfazed by divers. Visibility stays pretty consistent year-round, usually around 20-25m, so you don’t need to be too picky about when you visit. Just be ready for those turtles, they’re everywhere.
Belize(5 regions)
Ambergris Caye
Belize · Central America
Ambergris Caye is where many divers get their first taste of Belize, and it’s easy to see why. We love it for its sheer accessibility, especially Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley. Imagine diving amongst schools of sergeant-major and doctorfish, then surfacing to find yourself surrounded by friendly nurse sharks - it’s a rush, even after you’ve seen it a dozen times. Diving here is generally pretty mellow, great for easing back into things or for newer divers. The currents are typically mild, making for relaxed drift dives over healthy reefs. Look out for the subtle beauty of a reticulated brittle star tucked into a coral crevice, or a majestic tarpon gliding past in the blue. For something a little different, the wreck dives are surprisingly good, offering a cool contrast to the natural reefs. We’d suggest an early morning dive at Hol Chan to beat the crowds; the light is often spectacular, highlighting the shimmering scales of yellowjacket and angelfish as they feed.
Caye Caulker
Belize · Central America
Laid-back island with affordable diving along the barrier reef. The Split's channel dive and snorkelling with nurse sharks and rays.
Glover's Reef
Belize · Central America
The most remote and pristine of Belize's three atolls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with spectacular wall diving and minimal visitor numbers.
Lighthouse Reef
Belize · Central America
Lighthouse Reef is where you go when you’re ready to see Belize’s Big Show. We all know the Great Blue Hole is the headliner, and yes, it’s a geological marvel, dropping to 125 meters, but honestly, it’s the sheer scale of the stalactites, more than the marine life, that makes it special. For us, the real magic here is Half Moon Caye Wall. It’s a spectacular drop-off, the kind where you drift along and just let your eyes wander into the blue. We’ve seen incredible schools of Reef Silversides here, shimmering like liquid mercury, and the resident Triggerfish are always darting about. Currents can be strong, especially around the exposed points, so you'll want to be comfortable with drift diving. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 meters, especially during the drier months from November to May. We’d suggest an early start to beat the day-trippers, giving you a chance to truly appreciate the quiet grandeur of these walls. Keep an eye out for the elusive Saddle Stargazer buried in the sand flats near the shallower reef tops; they’re always a fun spot.
Turneffe Atoll
Belize · Central America
Turneffe Atoll, the largest true atoll in Belize, offers a different flavour of Caribbean diving. Forget the crowds you might find closer to the mainland; here, it’s a quieter scene. We love the sheer scale of the place, the way the walls drop off into the deep blue, often dotted with massive barrel sponges you could almost climb inside. Our favourite dives often involve drifting along those walls, keeping an eye out for patrolling blacktip sharks and the occasional hawksbill turtle munching on a sponge. The coral here, particularly the ridged cactus coral, forms intricate structures, creating perfect hideouts for stippled clingfish and tobacco basslets. The mangrove channels are a real bonus, especially for photographers, offering chances to spot manatees or even a pod of dolphins cruising by. We’d suggest focusing on those early morning dives; that’s when the reef feels most alive, before any boat traffic picks up. Visibility averages around 20-30 metres on a good day, but it can get choppy on the eastern side if the wind picks up.
Bermuda(3 regions)
North Shore
Bermuda · Caribbean
Bermuda's North Shore is where history buffs and wreck enthusiasts really get their fix. We love that feeling of dropping onto a site like the **Constellation** and the **Montana**, knowing these aren't just old ships, but the very vessels that sparked a classic deep-sea thriller. You’ll feel the slight chill of the thermocline as you descend, then the wreck emerges from the blue, usually with a school of Atlantic spadefish swirling around the mast. The corals here, while not the most colourful we’ve seen, are encrusting and robust, clinging to the metal, creating homes for the resident American eels and blennies. We always recommend getting down early for these sites; it’s less crowded and the light filters through the water beautifully, illuminating the cargo holds. Keep an eye out for the larger jacks cruising by in the deeper sections. It’s a proper dive into history, with enough marine life to keep things interesting, even if it's not the most biodiverse spot in the Caribbean. We always find ourselves lingering over the details, imagining the ships in their prime.
South Shore
Bermuda · Caribbean
Dramatic reef systems and walls along Bermuda's exposed southern coast, with larger pelagic encounters.
Western Blue Cut
Bermuda · Caribbean
Deep channel off the western tip, where the reef platform drops into blue water and attracts sharks, tuna, and wahoo.
Bonaire(2 regions)
Bonaire West Coast
Bonaire · Caribbean
The leeward west coast is Bonaire's primary diving area with over 60 marked shore dive sites along the coastal road. Each site is numbered with a yellow painted stone, making navigation easy. Expect pristine coral gardens, seahorses, and frogfish.
Klein Bonaire
Bonaire · Caribbean
Klein Bonaire is our happy place when we’re looking for a truly relaxed dive. That short boat ride across from the main island always feels like leaving the crowds behind, even if you’re sharing the water with a few other boats. We especially love the sites along the west side, like Sampler and Jerry’s Reef. Drop in there and you're instantly among some seriously healthy elkhorn and staghorn corals, which isn't always a given these days. Visibility here is usually fantastic, often pushing past 30 metres, which lets you really appreciate the scale of the reef. We’ve had some memorable encounters with Dark Green Parrotfish here, just chugging along, oblivious to us, and the Sharpnose Pufferfish always make us smile. Keep an eye out for manatee grass beds in the shallower areas, a great place to spot the unusual Antilles Glass-slug if you’ve got a keen eye. While it's all generally pretty calm, we find the late morning often offers the best light, with the sun hitting the corals just right. It’s a perfect spot for beginners, or frankly, anyone who wants an easy, beautiful dive without much fuss.
Brazil(7 regions)
Abrolhos
Brazil · South America
Abrolhos is a quiet surprise, a national marine park off the coast of Bahia that feels genuinely remote. We've always found the unique "chapeirão" coral formations, those mushroom-shaped pillars, to be the main draw here. They create a fascinating topography, full of overhangs and swim-throughs where you'll often spot nurse sharks napping. From July to November, the humpback whales come to breed, and hearing their songs underwater is something truly special. Visibility can be a bit variable, but on a good day, exploring those coral structures, you'll be treated to schools of snapper and barracuda, plus the occasional loggerhead turtle gliding by.
Arraial do Cabo
Brazil · South America
Arraial do Cabo, often called Brazil’s “Caribbean,” has a bit of a reputation, and for good reason. What we really love are the upwelling currents. They bring in nutrient-rich water, which translates to some seriously clear visibility and a surprising amount of bigger pelagic stuff for a coastal spot. We’ve had incredible encounters with schools of grunts and Caesar fish so thick they almost block the sun, especially around the rocky pinnacles. Diving here feels distinctly South Atlantic, with species like the Grey Atlantic Auger and those striking Brazilian red anemones providing a unique splash of colour against the granite and rocky reefs. Our favourite sites are often the drift dives, letting the current carry you past hogfish and busy sergeant-majors. A morning dive is always our pick, before the wind picks up and the boat traffic gets too heavy. Just be prepared for cooler water than you might expect, thanks to those productive upwellings - a 5mm suit is often a good shout, even in summer.
Bombinhas & Santa Catarina
Brazil · South America
Southern Brazil's diving capital with the Reserva Biológica Marinha do Arvoredo. Groupers, sea turtles, and seasonal right whale encounters.
Fernando de Noronha
Brazil · South America
Fernando de Noronha feels like the whole ocean just exhales here. It’s an intermediate diver’s dream, mainly because of the strong currents that often sweep through, but the reward is immense. We love drifting past pinnacles and submerged reefs, the visibility often reaching 30 meters or more, which is just spectacular for Brazil. Our favourite dive is the wreck of the Corveta Ipiranga, which sank in 1983 and now hosts an incredible array of life. Expect to see big schools of Caesar and Doctorfish, sometimes so thick they obscure the wreck itself. Green turtles are common, just cruising by, completely unfazed. If you time it right, early mornings are best for spotting the famous spinner dolphins. They put on an aerial show you won’t forget, though we generally leave them to their natural behaviour and just enjoy the spectacle from the boat. Fernando de Noronha isn't for the absolute beginner, but if you're comfortable with a bit of current, you’ll be rewarded with some of Brazil’s most vibrant and pristine underwater landscapes. It’s a place that just feels wild and untouched.
Ilhabela & São Paulo Coast
Brazil · South America
Historic shipwrecks and subtropical reefs off São Paulo's coast. Over 100 documented wrecks around Ilhabela island.
Recife & Northeast Coast
Brazil · South America
Wreck diving off Recife's urban coastline and Porto de Galinhas coral reefs.
Salvador & Bahia
Brazil · South America
Salvador and the wider Bahia state don't always top the list for Brazilian diving, but we think that’s a real oversight. This region delivers warm, tropical diving with a fantastic mix of historic colonial shipwrecks and lively reef formations, all wrapped up in the Todos os Santos Bay marine ecosystem. We especially love the wreck diving here; it’s a tangible link to history. Expect to spend your bottom time exploring structures that tell stories, often buzzing with Cook butterfish and schools of cola. The visibility, usually around 15-20 meters, lets you appreciate the scale of these sunken vessels. On the reefs, keep an eye out for the vibrant Midnight Parrotfish, their colours really pop against the coral. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Bonnethead Shark cruising by. We find the mornings are often calmer, giving you better light on the wrecks. It's not a place for giant pelagics, but the sheer variety of smaller reef fish, like the tide pool wrasse and the quirky lined sole, makes every dive interesting. The relaxed vibe tops it off, making it a proper dive escape.
British Virgin Islands(2 regions)
Salt Island & Cooper Island
British Virgin Islands · Caribbean
This corner of the BVI, around Salt and Cooper Islands, is where we often recommend divers start their exploration. It's home to the legendary RMS Rhone wreck, and honestly, we think the Rhone alone is worth the trip. We love diving the bow section early, before the day boats arrive, watching the morning light filter through the old iron, revealing the schools of spot snapper tucked into every crevice. You’ll feel the history down there, a tangible silence in the wreck's shadow. Beyond the Rhone, the reefs nearby offer a more relaxed pace. We’ve spent hours drifting along the walls, spotting green turtles gliding past and occasionally a blackedge triplefin darting between the bushy coral. The currents around here can pick up, especially if you’re venturing further from the main channels, so it’s always wise to check the conditions. Our favourite little tip: if you’re looking for something a bit different, keep an eye out for granular frog shells on the sandy patches near the coral heads - they’re a real treat to find. The visibility is usually excellent, making it easy to spot even the well-camouflaged hamlets or the intricate patterns of scroll coral. We find late morning is a great time to be in the water around Cooper, the light is bright and the fish are active.
Virgin Gorda & Anegada
British Virgin Islands · Caribbean
Virgin Gorda and Anegada offer a split personality to BVI diving, and we love them both for different reasons. Virgin Gorda’s dive sites often mirror its famous Baths, with impressive granite boulders creating swim-throughs and canyons underwater. It feels like navigating a submerged labyrinth, with schools of grunts and snappers congregating in the shadowy pockets. Our favourite moments here involve just hovering in those sun-dappled corridors, watching the light play on the rock faces. Anegada, by contrast, is all about the Horseshoe Reef, a sprawling, shallow barrier reef that’s unlike anything else in the Caribbean. We’d suggest dedicating a full day, maybe even two, to Anegada if you can swing it. The currents here can be a lively drift, carrying you past huge brain corals and vibrant sponges where you’ll spot clown wrasse and longfin blennies darting in and out. It’s a completely different rhythm of diving, a wide-open feel compared to Virgin Gorda's more intimate geology. Visibility is usually solid, often pushing past 20 meters, making those long drifts particularly enjoyable. Just keep an eye on your depth here, as it can be easy to get distracted by the sheer scale of the reef.
Cambodia(2 regions)
Koh Rong Archipelago
Cambodia · Southeast Asia
The Koh Rong Archipelago still feels a bit like the Wild West of Southeast Asian diving, and we love that. It’s got a raw, untamed energy you don't find much anymore. You'll spend your days exploring reefs and pinnacles around the islands, often with just your boat on the horizon. Our favourite spots are often the less-travelled ones, where you can find blacktip reef sharks circling the deeper edges of the reefs and massive schools of blacktip ponyfish swirling like silver clouds. We've had fantastic luck spotting Hawksbill turtles munching on corals in the shallows around Koh Rong Sanloem, especially during the calmer mornings. The coral here is healthier than you might expect, with some genuinely impressive sea grape and anemone patches sheltering pink anemonefish. Dive the small wrecks for a chance to spot a Pharaoh cuttlefish or even a shy Oriental sole camouflaged against the sand. Visibility hovers around the 10-15 metre mark on most days, occasionally stretching to 20 metres in the dry season, making it perfect for intermediate divers looking for something a bit different. Go soon, before everyone else discovers it.
Koh Tang & Offshore
Cambodia · Southeast Asia
Koh Tang. Ah, Koh Tang. It’s a trek to get out here, but for our money, these offshore islands are where Cambodia’s diving truly shines. We’re talking proper visibility, often pushing 20 metres, and currents that bring in some serious pelagic action you just don't get closer to shore. The dive sites here are a mix of sloping reefs, dramatic walls, and a few wrecks that have become artificial reefs. We particularly love the feeling of being truly remote; the water just feels… wilder. Keep an eye out for the Golden Trevally cruising the deeper sections, and if you’re lucky, a flash of a Narrow-barred Spanish Mackerel darting past. One of our favourite sites has a surprisingly healthy patch of cymodocea seagrass where we’ve spotted Indonesian Bamboosharks snoozing, and once, a tiny Hedgehog Seahorse clinging on. It’s not the colourful coral gardens you might find elsewhere in Southeast Asia, but the sheer abundance of fish, those schools of Yellowstripe Scad, the occasional Crazy Fish peeking from a crevice, makes it consistently interesting. The journey involves a longer boat ride, sometimes a bit choppy, but the reward is worth it for the better conditions and the chance to see some of Cambodia’s larger marine residents.
Canada(7 regions)
British Columbia
Canada · North America
Cold, nutrient-rich Pacific waters with the world's largest octopus, wolf eels, and vibrant anemone gardens.
Manitoba & Prairie Lakes
Canada · North America
Diving the Prairie Lakes means a unique brand of freshwater exploration, quite different from ocean dives we're used to. Think glacial lakes, surprisingly clear, particularly in places like Clear Lake and West Hawk Lake. Visibility can be quite remarkable, letting you really take in the wrecks and the curious freshwater inhabitants. You'll likely spot pike lurking in the weeds, maybe a sizable Lake Sturgeon if you're lucky, and plenty of Yellow Perch. It’s an honest, refreshing change of pace, and certainly not what most people imagine when they picture diving in Canada.
New Brunswick & Bay of Fundy
Canada · North America
Diving the Bay of Fundy isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s an adventure we always talk about after a few beers. The tides here are truly immense, pushing vast amounts of water and nutrients, which in turn brings in some serious pelagic action. Think about the incredible feeling of being in the water, knowing whales are moving through those same currents around you; we've even heard them singing on deeper dives. What you'll actually see can be genuinely surprising. We love the drift dives past walls covered in colourful anemones and sponges, feeling that powerful current move you along. Keep an eye out for the more unusual bottom dwellers like lumpsuckers clinging to rocks or the strangely beautiful Northern Wolffish lurking in crevices. Wreck diving here is fantastic too, often shrouded in that green, silty light, which adds a real sense of history to exploring a sunken vessel. Our favourite spots are often dictated by the tides; slack water is your friend, letting you really appreciate the smaller critters like the Punctate Blade Shrimp without fighting the flow. It’s challenging, no doubt, but the sheer raw power of the ocean here, and the life it supports, makes it absolutely worth the effort.
Newfoundland
Canada · North America
Newfoundland diving isn't for the faint-hearted, but for those who brave the chilly Atlantic, it’s a truly unique experience. We love it because it throws something completely different at you. Think iceberg diving in early summer, where the light shifts through the ice like a living kaleidoscope, or the Bell Island WWII wrecks - massive, haunting, and incredibly well-preserved. The wrecks are our favourite; a cold water preservation miracle. You'll find long rough dabs resting on plating and Newfoundland eelpout peeking from the shadows. Visibility can be epic, sometimes pushing 30 meters, especially outside the spring melt. Strong currents are common around the wrecks, so good buoyancy and comfort in moving water are a must. Keep an eye out for common minke whales or even a Greenland shark if you’re lucky, especially further offshore. This isn’t a place for casual reef dives; it's about big wrecks, big animals, and big adventure.
Nova Scotia
Canada · North America
Nova Scotia. The name itself conjures images of rugged coastlines and maritime history, and for us, it means some of the best wreck diving in Atlantic Canada. We've spent countless hours exploring the HMCS Saguenay, a destroyer purpose-sunk as an artificial reef, and every dive offers something new. The current can be brisk, but that's often what makes for excellent drift dives over those older wooden wrecks, scattering schools of Atlantic cod and moonfish. Forget your tropical fish; here, it’s about the sheer scale of the wrecks and the hardy, fascinating creatures that call them home. Look out for Atlantic rock crabs scuttling over corroded steel and the occasional wolf-fish peeking from a dark crevice - they’re surprisingly curious. Our favourite time to visit is late summer when the water is at its "warmest," usually around 12-15°C, and visibility can stretch to a decent 15-20 metres on a good day. It's a proper drysuit destination, obviously, but the rewards are massive. The sheer number of historic shipwrecks means you could spend a lifetime here and still find new things.
Ontario Great Lakes
Canada · North America
Forget the tropics for a minute. We love the Ontario Great Lakes for a completely different flavour of diving, one steeped in history and an almost eerie tranquility. It’s cold water, sure, but slip into a drysuit and you’re transported to a freshwater graveyard of forgotten ships. Fathom Five National Marine Park is our pick, with over twenty historic wrecks lying in shockingly clear water. You’ll fin past perfectly preserved masts, rudders, and even cargo, feeling the chill of depths that keep these vessels almost perfectly intact. The visibility here, especially outside of stirred-up summer weekends, often pushes 20 metres or more. We've often seen schools of yellow perch darting through the skeletal remains of schooners. We’d suggest going in late spring or early autumn; the surface conditions are calmer, and you beat the peak tourist crowds. Look out for the resident lake sturgeon gliding slowly over the silty bottom - they’re magnificent. It's not about colourful corals, it’s about the silent stories these wrecks tell. Just remember your hood and gloves; it’s freshwater, but it’s still Canada!
Québec
Canada · North America
Québec diving isn't for the faint of heart, but it offers a unique reward. The St. Lawrence River and Saguenay Fjord are cold, often dark, and currents can be a real workout. But get yourself properly geared up-think drysuit and thick underlayers-and you’ll discover a surprisingly rich freshwater world. We love the sheer thrill of beluga encounters here; seeing those ghostly white forms glide past is something truly special. Our favourite spots are often deep in the fjord, where walls drop away into the gloom, revealing bizarre cold-water anemones and sculpins hugging the rock. Visibility can be hit or miss, usually better outside the main shipping channels and after a few dry days. For wrecks, you’ll find some fascinating old timbers and steel structures, many surprisingly intact given the freshwater preservation. Expect to spot burbot lurking in crevices, big schools of yellow perch, and if you’re lucky, a flash of a coho salmon. It’s a different kind of beauty than the tropics, raw and wild, demanding respect but giving back an experience you won’t find anywhere else.
Cape Verde(4 regions)
Boa Vista
Cape Verde · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Boa Vista often gets overlooked for Sal, and we think that’s a real shame. The diving here is raw, proper Atlantic stuff. Think vast, open seas and the kind of dramatic encounters you dream about. If you're here between February and May, you’re smack in the middle of humpback whale season. Hearing their calls underwater, a deep thrumming that vibrates through your chest, is something else entirely. We’ve had some truly spectacular dives on the wreck of the *Santa Maria*, a behemoth that’s been slowly breaking up since 1968. It’s an artificial reef now, with schools of barracuda so thick they make the light ripple as they turn. The currents can be a bit frisky here, so be prepared for a bit of a workout. But that’s what brings in the larger pelagics. We’ve spotted rough-toothed dolphins zipping by on safety stops and even had a distant glimpse of an orca pod one memorable afternoon. For reef dives, we love the sites around the islet of Sal Rei. The visibility here can hit 25 metres on a good day, and you’ll often find loggerhead turtles cruising along the reef edge, utterly unbothered by your presence. There are also these incredible Devonshire cup corals, a splash of vibrant orange against the volcanic rock. It’s not the colourful, shallow reef diving of the Red Sea, but it’s got a wild, untamed beauty that we absolutely adore.
Sal
Cape Verde · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Sal is the busiest island for diving in Cape Verde, and for good reason. You'll find a solid mix of reefs, some interesting cave systems, and a few wrecks that are easy enough for newer divers. What really draws us back are the sharks - lemon sharks and nurse sharks are common sights, and if you hit it right between July and October, you might even spot a whale shark cruising past. It's a comfortable place to dive, offering plenty without throwing anything too challenging your way.
Santiago
Cape Verde · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Santiago is a bit different from the other Cape Verde islands, certainly worth a few days if you’re looking for something beyond just the resort scene. We found the diving here to be more about the geology and the pelagics that cruise by than a riot of colour. You’ll spend time exploring volcanic rock formations, with deep crevices and swim-throughs, which makes for some dramatic topography. Our favourite dives were definitely the wrecks - they’re fairly accessible for beginners, and the resident schools of white seabream and butterfish give them a lively feel. We’ve also had incredible encounters with oceanic mantas here, especially in late summer, which is always a treat. Visibility can vary, particularly after a strong current, but when it’s good, the sheer scale of the underwater landscape is impressive. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles - they’re regulars here. You might also spot an African forktail snapper or a bigeye tuna darting past in the blue. The currents can be noticeable, so it’s worth checking conditions with the local dive centre before you head out. This isn’t a place for macro enthusiasts, but if you appreciate robust underwater architecture and the chance of big animal encounters, Santiago delivers.
Santo Antão
Cape Verde · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Santo Antão isn't the first island people think of for diving in Cape Verde, but it absolutely should be on your radar. We love it for the sheer drama of the underwater topography, mirroring the island’s mountainous landscape above. It's all dramatic drop-offs, deep caves, and pinnacles that just beg to be explored. The nutrient-rich waters here are a magnet for bigger stuff. We’ve had incredible encounters with Blainville's Beaked Whales, a truly humbling experience to be in the water with something so immense and graceful. The schools of Jacks can be overwhelming, a shimmering wall of silver that makes you feel tiny. For macro fans, keep an eye out for the Bristlemouth and the surprisingly colourful Molly Miller blenny tucked into crevices. The wreck dives are atmospheric, often with a slight current, adding to the thrill. Visibility generally holds up well, but those strong currents mean it's not always a cruise. You'll work for your dives here, but the rewards are always worth it. Try to time your dives for slack tide on some of the deeper sites.
Cayman Islands(3 regions)
Cayman Brac
Cayman Islands · Caribbean
Cayman Brac feels like a throwback, a diver's island where the focus stays squarely on the water. We love the uncrowded sites; you rarely share a mooring. The MV *Captain Keith Tibbetts* is, of course, the main event, a proper Russian frigate broken into two sections after a hurricane, resting at 30 metres. Swimming through the bow section, with light shafts cutting through the gloom, is a deeply satisfying experience. Beyond the wreck, the Bluff Wall is our favourite. It just drops, a sheer face into the deep blue, often with schools of Longspine Squirrelfish hanging in the current. Keep an eye out for Flasher Wrasse on the shallower parts of the reef - their colour changes are captivating. We'd suggest going early morning for the best light on the walls, and the currents tend to be gentler then. While the larger pelagics like Dorado and Allison's Tuna are less common, the sheer density of colourful reef fish, like the Dusky and Threespot Damselfish, keeps every dive interesting. It’s a place for divers who appreciate calm, consistent diving without the crowds.
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands · Caribbean
Grand Cayman diving often gets pigeonholed for the Kittiwake wreck, and while we love a good wreck, the island offers so much more. Our favourite dives here are definitely along the North Wall. Dropping down into that blue abyss, you feel the depth instantly. Visibility is usually superb, letting you pick out little gobies on the sponges and morays tucked deep into crevices. On the shallower west side, spots like Eden Rock and Devil's Grotto are surprisingly good shore dives. Slip in with just your gear, and you're surrounded by schools of French grunts and horse-eye jacks. Come in late summer, and you might hit the silverside run, a shimmering, swirling mass of fish attracting tarpon and barracuda. It’s chaotic and thrilling, feeling like a scene straight out of a nature documentary. The currents generally stay mild, especially on the west, making it pretty easy for most divers. We always suggest hitting the sandbar at Stingray City for a snorkel too, just to round out the experience.
Little Cayman
Cayman Islands · Caribbean
Home to Bloody Bay Wall, consistently ranked among the world's top wall dives. The marine park's pristine condition and limited development ensure spectacular visibility and abundant marine life including Nassau groupers.
Chile(2 regions)
Easter Island (Rapa Nui)
Chile · South America
Diving Rapa Nui isn't about chasing huge pelagics, though a bull shark might cruise by if you're lucky. Instead, it’s all about the water itself and the geological drama playing out underwater. Visibility often stretches to 60 metres, sometimes more, giving a feeling of endless space as you drift past volcanic caverns and towering pinnacles. You'll spot some interesting endemics, like the Easter Island butterflyfish or the dotted wrasse, alongside a respectable collection of morays and an abundance of starfish. There’s a quiet beauty to these reefs, with unusual coral formations like the cauliflower coral and petaloid corals adding texture to the stark volcanic rock. It's a remote experience, certainly, but one that feels genuinely unique.
Juan Fernandez Islands
Chile · South America
Out in the Pacific, the Juan Fernandez Islands feel wonderfully remote. We’ve found the diving here to be pretty unique, a real showcase for those deepwater, endemic species you just won't spot anywhere else. Expect to come face to face with the famously curious Juan Fernandez fur seals, and keep an eye out for the vibrant California yellowtail that cruise these waters. We particularly enjoy the wreck dives, which offer some interesting exploration. The currents can be playful, adding a bit of spice, but generally, it’s a good spot for intermediate divers looking for something a little different.
Colombia(6 regions)
Capurganá & Gulf of Urabá
Colombia · South America
Remote Caribbean border region with pristine coral reefs, clear waters, and minimal tourism development near the Darién Gap.
Cartagena & Pacific Coast
Colombia · South America
Caribbean reefs near historic Cartagena. The Rosario Islands marine park with seahorses and frogfish.
Gorgona Island
Colombia · South America
A former prison island now a national park with humpback whale encounters, whale sharks, and pristine Pacific reefs.
Malpelo Island
Colombia · South America
Malpelo isn't for the faint of heart, but if you’re up for a serious adventure, it’s one of the most raw, exhilarating places we've ever dived. This isolated rock, 500km off Colombia’s coast, is a UNESCO site because of what it *holds*: colossal schools of hammerheads and silky sharks. We’re talking hundreds, sometimes thousands, swirling around you. It’s an almost overwhelming sensory experience; the sheer number of sharks is incredible, a constant motion in the blue. Visibility can often hit 30 metres, letting you see the true scale of these congregations. Our favourite dives are often around the pinnacles, where the currents really bring in the big stuff. You’ll feel the surge, no doubt, but that’s what makes Malpelo so electric. Forget delicate reef fish, this is about apex predators and the vast, open ocean. Be prepared for strong currents and remote living; this isn't a luxury trip. Go during the drier months, January to May, for the best chance at calmer seas, though the sharks are always around.
San Andrés & Providencia
Colombia · South America
Caribbean islands with the world's third-largest barrier reef in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Santa Marta & Tayrona
Colombia · South America
Santa Marta’s main draw is its easy access to Tayrona National Park. We think that’s where the magic really happens. Imagine granite boulders, smoothed over eons, tumbling into the Caribbean, creating a unique habitat. The water here feels different, cooler, a mix of mountain runoff and ocean current. We love the drift dives around the outer reefs, keeping an eye out for bridled dolphins slicing through the blue. You’ll spot plenty of puffers tucked into crevices, their eyes following your every move. It’s not about huge pelagics here, more about the smaller details - lesser rock shrimp waving their antennae from tiny ledges, or the flashes of dwarf wrasse darting between coralline brittle stars. Visibility can vary, especially after heavy rains, but on a good day, it's a solid 15-20 meters. Our favourite time to visit is May to October, when the seasonal turtle nesting activity brings a quiet buzz to the area. For something a bit different, ask about the deeper spots where lawyer and viperfish have been occasionally seen - a true deep diver's reward.
Comoros(2 regions)
Grande Comore
Comoros · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Grande Comore is an island that keeps you on your toes, a bit raw around the edges, and we love it for that. The diving here, especially around the volcanic walls, feels like exploring new territory. You're mostly looking at dramatic drop-offs and the occasional cave, all carved from ancient lava flows. We’re not going to lie, it’s not exactly teeming with dive centres, so if you're planning a trip, prepare for a bit of self-sufficiency. But for those willing to put in the effort, the rewards are there. We often find ourselves drifting past big schools of fusiliers, the light shimmering off their scales as they dart in and out of the shadows. Keep your eyes peeled for the resident Spotted Tobies, they’re always a cheerful sight, poking their heads out from the crevices. And here’s a tip: the currents can be quite frisky along the walls, so it’s not a place for a first-timer unless you're with someone who knows the local conditions intimately. Our favourite moments here are definitely during the late morning dives when the sun really lights up the reef, highlighting the greens and browns of the leaf and honeycomb corals. It’s rugged, a bit of an adventure, but genuinely rewarding.
Moheli
Comoros · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Moheli, the smallest of the Comoros islands, punches well above its weight for divers. We love its untouched feel, a genuine rarity in the Indian Ocean these days. The reefs here are healthy, thick with stony corals, and surprisingly busy with fish like big parrotfish crunching away and schools of glasseye snapper flickering in the shadows. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, especially the flathead sleepers and the oddly charming blotchfin scorpionfish camouflaged against the reef. We’d suggest planning your trip for late summer to catch the humpback whales that migrate through these waters, their songs often audible even underwater. Diving here means embracing a bit of an adventure, there aren't any dive centres on the island, so it's more about arranging trips with local boat operators. Conditions are generally moderate, but an intermediate skill level helps when navigating some of the gentle currents. It’s a quiet place, meaning you’ll often have the whole reef to yourselves.
Cook Islands
Costa Rica(5 regions)
Caño Island
Costa Rica · Central America
A biological reserve off the Osa Peninsula with bull sharks, manta rays, and white-tip reef sharks patrolling the rocky reef. Strong currents bring pelagic action.
Caribbean Coast
Costa Rica · Central America
The Caribbean side of Costa Rica, particularly around Cahuita National Park and the Gandoca-Manzanillo Wildlife Refuge, offers a much different vibe from the Pacific. It's slower, more laid-back, and the diving reflects that. We’re not talking dramatic pelagics here, but instead a collection of really charming, intimate reef and wall dives, often with nurse sharks lounging under ledges. Visibility can swing - one day it's 20 metres and gorgeous, the next a storm has stirred things up, so we always recommend asking local shops for current conditions. Our favourite dives are the fringing reefs in Cahuita, where the corals feel ancient, full of nooks. You’ll spend most of your bottom time peering into crevices, spotting shy creatures like the Spotted snake-eel or the brilliantly camouflaged Opossum Pipefish. Keep an eye out for the Graceful Mojarra schooling in the shallows, their silver scales flashing. We’ve found the currents here are generally mild, making it a good spot for newer divers, though some of the deeper walls do get a gentle push. It’s less about big fish and more about the smaller, intricate details; the Barnacle Blenny peeking out, the peculiar Rounded batfish fluttering by. It’s a quiet dive, perfect for photographers who love macro.
Cocos Island
Costa Rica · Central America
Cocos Island, that speck 500km off Costa Rica, isn't a casual drop-in. This is serious blue water stuff, strictly for advanced divers who relish big pelagics and aren’t fazed by being truly isolated. We love Cocos for its sheer unapologetic wildness. Forget shore dives; it’s liveaboard territory, and worth every day of the journey. Dive in, and you’re instantly plunged into a frantic, chaotic ballet of marine life. Huge schools of hammerheads, sometimes hundreds strong, glide past, often trailed by a squadron of oceanic mantas. We’ve seen whale sharks cruise by at cleaning stations, seemingly unfazed by our presence. It’s an almost primal experience, feeling the surge of the open ocean against the pinnacles and seeing creatures that truly belong to the deep. Our favourite moments here always involve just hanging motionless, letting the current carry us, and watching the oceanic theatre unfold. Expect some serious drift dives, so good buoyancy and current awareness are non-negotiable. This place really demands your full attention, but it pays off with encounters you’ll recount for years.
Golfo Dulce
Costa Rica · Central America
A tropical fjord on the Osa Peninsula with whale and dolphin encounters, bull sharks, and mangrove diving in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
Guanacaste & Pacific Coast
Costa Rica · Central America
Catalina and Bat Islands with seasonal bull sharks, giant mantas, and nutrient-rich Pacific diving.
Croatia(6 regions)
Dubrovnik & South Coast
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
Dubrovnik's South Coast diving is often overshadowed by other parts of Croatia, but we think that’s a mistake. While you won't find the pelagic action of some more remote spots, what you do get here is a compelling mix of history and geology, all within an hour or so of the city. We love dropping into a quiet cave, the light playing on the ancient rock, maybe spotting a shy anglerfish tucked away in a crevice. The wrecks are a real draw, too. We’ve spent many a dive poking around the old patrol boat, imagining the stories it could tell, often finding a conger eel or a painted eel peeking out from a dark corner. Visibility hovers around 20-30 meters in summer, which is perfect for appreciating the sheer drop-offs and the subtle colours of the Mediterranean sponges. Our favourite time to dive here is late September, when the summer crowds thin out and the water is still bathtub warm. You'll often find a brown skate cruising the sandy patches, or maybe a blackspotted smoothhound gliding past a reef wall. The currents are generally mild, making it a good spot for newer divers, but there are enough deeper sections and penetration opportunities to keep experienced divers engaged. We’d suggest focusing on the morning dives; the light is better in the caves, and the boat traffic is lighter.
Istria Peninsula
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
Istria often gets overlooked for Croatia’s southern islands, and that’s a shame. Up here, it’s a different vibe, less about sheer visibility and more about the historical narrative. We’re talking proper Northern Adriatic diving, which means a certain character to the water - sometimes a bit greener, but always alive with history and surprisingly robust ecosystems. Our favourite here has to be the Baron Gautsch. We've spent hours on her, exploring the passenger decks, imagining those final moments. It’s a genuine experience, not just another wreck dive. The deck gun is still there, and you can swim through the main salon, where schools of small fry often hang, almost shimmering in the shafts of light. Nearby, you'll find plenty of colourful Mediterranean reef systems too, full of mullets nosing through the sand and brown combers darting between rocks. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles cruising past, especially in late summer. One insider tip: the Baron Gautsch can get busy, so aim for a weekday morning dive if you can. The currents can also pick up, so check conditions. You’ll find a surprising number of dogfish and smoothhounds if you look closely in the murkier, sandy patches. It’s not always about big pelagics here; it's about the intricate details and the stories these sites tell.
Kornati Islands
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
The Kornati Islands in Croatia are a standout for us, mostly because it’s a national park with some seriously dramatic topography. Think sheer underwater cliffs that drop hundreds of metres, cut with caves and overhangs that feel ancient. We love the feeling of flying along these walls, watching schools of Atlantic chub mackerel flash in the blue, occasionally spotting a Norway lobster peeking from a crevice. It’s less about big pelagics and more about the intricate details: the vibrant Sunset cup corals clinging to rock faces, the way Painted combers dart amongst the calcareous green alga. What makes Kornati special is that feeling of raw, untamed Mediterranean drama. Visibility is generally good, and while currents can pick up, they’re usually manageable. We’d suggest focusing on the walls and caves for the full effect - that’s where you’ll really feel the history of this place. Keep an eye out for Grohmann’s scaldfish blending perfectly into the sand, or a smooth hound cruising by. It’s not an everyday kind of dive, and that’s why we rate it.
Split & Central Dalmatia
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
Split and Central Dalmatia really hits the spot if you’re into varied diving. We love the dramatic wall dives, where the Adriatic drops away into the blue, often hiding good-sized conger eels in the cracks. Summer brings decent visibility, around 20 metres, and the water warms up enough for comfortable longer dives. Our favourite has to be the Trogir submarine wreck; it’s a proper piece of history down there and navigating its exterior feels like an honest exploration, especially with schools of salema swirling around it. We'd suggest getting there early to avoid the crowds, which can be a real buzzkill at some of the more popular spots. The caves, particularly around Biševo, are also incredible experiences, the light playing tricks as you move through them. Keep an eye out for the metallic flash of a dory or even a curious common squid darting past. Strong currents can be a factor on some exposed walls, so always check the conditions before you jump. It’s a solid choice for a dive trip that combines history with some genuinely interesting marine life.
Vis & Biševo
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
Vis and Biševo offer some of our favourite diving in Croatia, a region we think often gets overlooked for its quality. Forget what you think you know about Mediterranean diving; here, it’s all about dramatic topography and fascinating history. We’re talking about the famous Blue Cave, a surreal experience where sunlight filters through an underwater opening, turning the water an ethereal blue. It’s like swimming in liquid sapphire, absolutely stunning on a sunny morning. But Vis is more than just pretty caves. The B-17 bomber wreck is a standout, an incredibly preserved piece of history resting at 70 meters. It’s an expert dive, but for those with the training, it’s an emotional experience to glide over the fuselage and see the intricate details. For something shallower, the Vassilios cargo ship is a fantastic exploration, with plenty of entry points for light to stream through. Expect to see schools of saddled seabream darting around the wreckage, and if you’re lucky, a ribbonfish or two gliding past on a wall dive. Currents can be present, especially around the exposed pinnacles, so keep an eye on the dive brief. We’d suggest visiting in late spring or early autumn for the best visibility and fewer crowds.
Zadar & Northern Dalmatia
Croatia · Mediterranean & Europe
Underwater archaeological sites, Adriatic wrecks, and the Telašćica Nature Park's dramatic cliffs extending below the waterline.
Cuba(7 regions)
Bay of Pigs
Cuba · Caribbean
Cenote-like shore diving along the dramatic limestone coastline with caves, caverns, and vertical walls starting right from the shore. Excellent for both snorkelling and scuba.
Isla de la Juventud
Cuba · Caribbean
Isla de la Juventud, for us, is all about the dramatic walls. You’ll spend most dives drifting along these vertical faces, exploring the caves and tunnels carved into the limestone. We love the swim-throughs here, often bursting with schools of snapper and grunt, sometimes so thick they practically push you through. Keep an eye out for the big stuff too; we’ve had some cracking encounters with green sea turtles cruising the currents and even a couple of passing whale sharks in late spring, though they are certainly not a guarantee. The reef health here is genuinely impressive, a testament to its remote location. You’ll find healthy hard and soft corals clinging to every surface, providing shelter for a surprisingly diverse cast of characters. We’re always on the lookout for the endemic Cuban hogfish, which we’ve spotted on nearly every dive. The visibility is usually excellent, often pushing past 30 metres, making it easy to appreciate the scale of these impressive underwater landscapes. If you’re into wall diving with a touch of exploration, Isla de la Juventud is a proper treat.
Jardines de la Reina
Cuba · Caribbean
Jardines de la Reina, for us, is Cuba’s real treasure. Forget the old cars, this is where the wild things are. You're out in the open ocean here, liveaboard access only, which keeps the crowds away and the reef in spectacular shape. We always feel a different kind of calm slipping into the water here, knowing how protected it is. The big draw, and what we genuinely love, are the sharks. Caribbean reef sharks are everywhere, not shy at all. We’ve had them circle us for entire dives, curious and calm. It’s not just the sharks, though. The walls are just exploding with color, like someone spilled a paintbox. You'll see massive barrel sponges, big enough to climb inside, and the shallower reef tops are just covered in elkhorn coral, which is a rare sight these days. Keep an eye out for saltwater crocodiles too, often seen lounging on the mangroves. It’s a truly wild experience. Our favourite time to visit is late spring, when the visibility is usually excellent and the water warm. If you’re a macro lover, the abundance of gobies and pipefish here will keep you busy for hours. We’d suggest you factor in a few extra days if possible.
María la Gorda
Cuba · Caribbean
María la Gorda really sticks out from the usual Caribbean spots. We love that it’s such a trek to get there, because it means the reefs stay quiet. You’re diving walls draped in black coral, some of the most extensive formations we've seen, and the water feels incredibly clean. The sheer size of the mustard hill coral colonies here is impressive, they just seem to go on forever, forming these complex, multi-layered structures that are a real treat to explore. Our favourite dive is often on the deeper sections, maybe 20-30m, where we’ve regularly encountered schools of mutton snapper so thick they momentarily dim the light. Keep an eye out for the barracudina, sleek and silver, they glide past with an almost effortless grace. We’ve had some truly memorable moments just hanging out, watching key worm eels poking their heads from the sand. The best time to visit is probably outside hurricane season, roughly November through May, when the visibility is consistently excellent, often pushing 30 metres, and the currents are generally mild, making it very comfortable for newer divers. Even though it's remote, the dive operations here are well-run and friendly, a welcome relief after the long drive.
Santiago de Cuba
Cuba · Caribbean
Eastern Cuba's largest city offers wreck diving, reef exploration, and the unique experience of diving near the sunken Spanish fleet from the 1898 naval battle.
Trinidad & Cienfuegos Coast
Cuba · Caribbean
The south-central coast offers wall diving off the Ancon Peninsula, coral gardens along the Caribbean shelf edge, and the historic colonial atmosphere of Trinidad onshore.
Varadero
Cuba · Caribbean
Varadero diving is convenient, and that’s a big part of its charm. You’re right there in Cuba’s most famous resort town, so it's all about easy access to some decent diving. We're talking reefs that start shallow and hold plenty of grunts and schoolmasters, plus a few wreck dives for a bit more interest. Our favourite site here has to be the Neptune wreck. It's not a massive freighter, but it’s a nice size for an intermediate dive, with good penetration opportunities if you’re qualified, and often has schools of jacks swirling around it. We've also had some fun dives among the elkhorn coral formations, keeping an eye out for the shy blackfin blennies tucked into crevices. The currents are generally mild, making it a good spot for easing back into diving or for those newer to the sport. Visibility is usually pretty good, particularly in the summer months, often pushing past 20 metres. And for something completely different, don't miss the chance to dive the Saturno cave system - the light rays piercing the freshwater are genuinely something to see, even if it's not a classic coral reef dive.
Curaçao(2 regions)
Curaçao Northwest
Curaçao · Caribbean
Wilder and less visited, the northwest coast offers Mushroom Forest's unique formations, Watamula's dramatic entry points, and Playa Kalki's pristine reef. Stronger currents bring more pelagic action.
Curaçao Southeast
Curaçao · Caribbean
The southeast coast of Curaçao is where we send new divers, or anyone who just wants easy, relaxing dives. Think calm, warm water and minimal current. It’s ideal for getting comfortable again if you haven't been in the water for a while. We love the easy shore entries and how the reef slopes gently, perfect for finding your buoyancy. You’re pretty much guaranteed a good time at Director’s Bay, with its quiet vibe and the old pier pilings making a great habitat for juvenile fish. Keep an eye out for the Bluewing Searobin; they're always a delight to watch "walking" on their fins. Our favourite, though, has to be the Blue Room. It’s a truly special experience watching the light filter in, making the water glow a vivid blue. Time your visit around midday for the best light show. The Superior Producer wreck is another standout, particularly for photography. It’s upright and largely intact, attracting schools of Schoolmaster snappers and the occasional patrolling Gag grouper. Visibility is generally excellent year-round, making it easy to spot creatures like the Redlip Blenny peeking out from their holes. If you're looking for stress-free diving with plenty to see without battling conditions, this is your spot.
Cyprus(2 regions)
Larnaca
Cyprus · Mediterranean & Europe
Larnaca Bay, for us, means one thing: the Zenobia. And what a thing it is. We’ve logged more dives on this behemoth than we can count, and honestly, it just keeps giving. Descending onto the port side, the sheer scale of it hits you every time - a colossal, silent ghost ship resting on her side, trucks still strapped to the deck, all those lifeboats lined up. It’s a genuine wreck diver’s playground. But it’s not just the Zenobia. We’ve found some lovely surprises tucked away on the surrounding reefs. Keep an eye out for the big brown skates often cruising the sandy patches, and if you’re lucky, a grey dolphin might just make an appearance - they’re curious creatures here. We love the shallower reefs for spotting red snapping shrimp tucked into crevices, their claws always ready, and the schools of annular seabream shimmering around the rock formations. Visibility stays decent through the summer, but we’d suggest an early morning dive on the Zenobia to beat any crowds and catch the best light filtering through the wreck. It’s a proper standout for a reason.
Paphos & Coral Bay
Cyprus · Mediterranean & Europe
Paphos and Coral Bay on Cyprus’s west coast offer a Mediterranean experience that’s pleasantly relaxed. We love the variety of natural formations here - think swim-throughs, caves, and gentle amphitheatres carved into the rock. It’s a super spot for intermediate divers to refine skills without too much current to contend with. Our favourite dives often feature encounters with loggerhead and green turtles, particularly in the warmer months when they’re more active. Keep an eye on the sand for Atlantic stargazers, they’re masters of disguise, and you might spot a streaked gurnard fanning its fins. We’ve found the best visibility usually hits in late spring and early autumn, when the summer crowds have thinned a bit and the water's still warm. You’ll find plenty of rhoboid sweepers and goldband goatfish schooling around the rock formations. The artificial reefs are attracting more species each year, adding another layer of interest to the natural topography. It’s not a frenetic dive, more a calm exploration.
Denmark(2 regions)
Bornholm
Denmark · Mediterranean & Europe
Bornholm, out in the Baltic, is a bit of a curveball when people think of Danish diving. Forget the North Sea’s gloom; here, the visibility genuinely surprises, often hitting 20 metres on a good day, which for this part of the world, feels like a miracle. We love Bornholm for its wreck graveyard - over 390 sites recorded and many still waiting to be truly explored. Diving Bornholm means picking your wreck and spending time with it. There’s no rush. You’ll find everything from old fishing vessels to naval casualties, often surprisingly intact thanks to the cold water. We’ve spent hours poking around the *Bolette*, a cargo ship that went down in the 1940s, and it’s always a good dive. The marine life isn't tropical, obviously, but it’s still interesting. Look for the common gobies darting between the metal, and we’ve spotted red-throated divers overhead on ascents. In spring, the chance of seeing salmon or sea trout is higher, particularly near the rocky reefs, making for a different kind of encounter. Strong currents can pick up around the northern tip, so always check local conditions before heading out to those deeper wrecks. It’s proper Baltic diving, honest and rewarding if you know what to expect.
North Sea Coast
Denmark · Mediterranean & Europe
Alright, let's talk about the North Sea Coast in Denmark. If you're coming here expecting colourful coral and balmy water, you've missed the brief. This isn't a tropical destination, it’s a rugged, often wild, coastline for divers who appreciate history and a bit of a challenge. We love the sheer grit of diving the North Sea, especially when you’re exploring the WWII wrecks off the Jutland peninsula. These aren't just submerged metal; they're time capsules, often encrusted with Wandering Mussels and home to Pollock and Rockling. Visibility can be a real mixed bag. Some days you get 15 metres and the wreck just appears out of the green, others it's more like three and you're navigating by touch and instinct. That's part of the adventure though, isn’t it? Keep an eye out for Northern Pipefish tucked into crevices and don't be surprised to see Scad schooling in the currents. Surface conditions are often rough, so you need to be comfortable with a bit of a swell, and we'd always recommend going with a local dive centre. They know the currents, which can be pretty feisty around these parts, and they know the wrecks intimately. Our favourite dives are always the ones where you get a good push from the current, drifting past parts of history. It’s a completely different kind of beauty down there, stark and real.
Djibouti
Dominica(2 regions)
Cabrits & Northern Coast
Dominica · Caribbean
The diving around Cabrits and Dominica’s northern coast offers a different vibe from the more heavily dived south. Here, you’ll find walls that drop into the blue, often less explored and feeling wonderfully remote. We love the sheer lack of crowds, it’s a real treat to have a site mostly to yourselves. Our favourite spots here often feature healthy soft corals and sponges clinging to the walls, creating intricate textures. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff - the Shy Brotula is a fascinating find if you have a keen eye, and we’ve spent ages watching Mimic Blennies darting in and out of crevices. On some of the shallower muckier patches, we’ve found Caribbean hermit crabs scuttling about, always a fun distraction. The currents tend to be gentler than some of Dominica's southern sites, making it a good choice for newer divers looking to explore dramatic topography without the workout. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a patrolling Bigeye tuna out in the blue.
Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve
Dominica · Caribbean
Dominica's Soufriere-Scotts Head Marine Reserve is just… different. We love how the island’s volcanic geology extends right into the sea here, creating a dramatic topography of pinnacles, sheer walls, and even a few bubbly hot springs. It’s got a real frontier feel, less manicured than some other Caribbean spots, which really appeals to us. Our favourite dives often involve exploring the dramatic drop-offs around Scotts Head, where the Atlantic meets the Caribbean. You’ll feel the subtle shift in current, then descend into a world of towering volcanic structures draped in coral, often with visibility stretching 20-30 meters. Keep an eye out for Apricot Bass tucked into crevices, and we’ve seen countless Banded Blennies darting among the rocks. The muck diving, particularly closer to Soufriere, is fantastic for macro lovers. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance to spot Speckled Worm Eels or the elusive Diamond Lizardfish poking out of the sand. Strong currents aren't common inside the reserve, but always check conditions if you're venturing further out.
Dominican Republic(3 regions)
Bayahibe & La Romana
Dominican Republic · Caribbean
Bayahibe and La Romana offer a solid Caribbean dive trip, especially if you’re looking for a mix of wreck diving and easy reef exploration. We love the variety here - you’ve got the convenience of shore diving on local reefs combined with boat trips out to some genuinely interesting wrecks and Saona Island's gentle sloping sites. Visibility is usually pretty good, making for relaxed drifts over sponge-encrusted walls where we often spot trumpetfish doing their best impression of a stick. Our favourite spots are definitely the wrecks; they’ve developed a real character, with schools of Mojarra swarming the structures and the occasional green turtle cruising by. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the rare Glory-of-the-Atlantic Cone on sandy patches near the reefs. Conditions are typically calm, making it a great place to build confidence or just enjoy some unhurried bottom time. Just keep an eye on the currents around Saona, they can pick up, but generally, it's a very forgiving area. The cenote diving adds a unique twist, offering a completely different environment, cooler water, and a surreal light show if you hit it mid-day.
Punta Cana
Dominican Republic · Caribbean
Look, let’s be straight about Punta Cana. It’s not the Red Sea, and it’s not Komodo. What it *is*, though, is damn convenient if you’re already in the Dominican Republic for other reasons, and we appreciate that. The diving here is comfortable, mostly shallow, and caters well to newer divers or those who just want to knock out a couple of easy dives between rum punches. Our favourite spots are the various reef systems, where you’ll often find schools of butterbun and chalk bass hanging out. Keep an eye out for the bigeye stargazers peeking from the sand - they’re always a fun find, if a little creepy. We’d suggest hitting the sites early in the morning to beat the crowds, especially around the more popular wrecks, though visibility can be a bit variable depending on recent weather. We've seen it range from a decent 15 metres to a murky 5, so manage your expectations. You won't be writing home about pristine corals, but there's a pleasant collection of fish to enjoy.
Sosua & Puerto Plata
Dominican Republic · Caribbean
Sosua and Puerto Plata offer a different flavour of Caribbean diving. This isn't your placid, mirror-flat stuff; the north coast faces the Atlantic, bringing with it a more dynamic energy. We love the wall dives here, especially sites like Airport Wall, where the reef really drops away into the blue. You’ll spot plenty of jacks cruising past, and the Finger Coral formations are particularly striking. Our favourite time to dive is in the calmer summer months when visibility averages 20 metres. Winter can bring stronger swells, but it’s still perfectly diveable, just a bit more of a workout. Keep an eye out for the Christmas Tree Hydroid Nudibranchs, they’re tiny but truly mesmerising if you slow down and look closely. There’s a nice mix of reef and wreck here too, with some accessible caverns adding a touch of adventure. We'd suggest asking your dive centre about the current conditions before heading out, as they can shift. This area is honest, solid Caribbean diving, a bit rugged but always rewarding.
Ecuador(5 regions)
Esmeraldas & North Coast
Ecuador · South America
Ecuador's tropical north coast with emerging dive tourism, mangrove ecosystems, and seasonal whale shark encounters.
Galápagos Central Islands
Ecuador · South America
Santa Cruz, Santiago, and Floreana islands with sea lion colonies, marine iguanas, and green turtle cleaning stations in sheltered bays.
Galápagos Islands
Ecuador · South America
The Galápagos. It’s a name that conjures images of ancient evolution, and for good reason. Diving here is less about pretty corals, though you’ll find some lovely spots, and more about the sheer, exhilarating volume of big animals. We’re talking legendary hammerhead schools at Wolf and Darwin, so thick they create a moving wall, a truly humbling sight. We’d suggest a liveaboard to properly experience the remote northern islands; day trips just don’t cut it if you want the full impact. Drift diving is common, and often essential, with currents that can be formidable. But those currents are exactly what brings in the nutrient-rich water, attracting everything from playful sea lions to graceful Galapagos sharks. Keep an eye out for the resident marine iguanas munching algae underwater, a truly bizarre and wonderful spectacle. We’ve had incredible encounters with Mola Mola in cooler months, especially around Gordon Rocks, a site that never disappoints for schooling fish and occasional Galapagos horn sharks. It’s wild, untamed, and exactly what makes it one of our favourite places on the planet. Just be ready for cooler water and be comfortable with some serious current.
Isla de la Plata
Ecuador · South America
Isla de la Plata, often called the ‘Poor Man’s Galápagos’, absolutely lives up to the nickname. We love it for the sheer abundance, especially between June and October when the humpback whales are migrating. Hearing their songs underwater, sometimes feeling the vibrations through your chest, is something else. Dive sites here are mostly reef, with a few wrecks, and currents can be a factor, so listen to your guide. We’ve had dives where the current just carried us along past massive schools of Cortez chub and blunthead triggerfish. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like longtailed jawfish peeking out from their burrows. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, you’ll see sea lions playfully spiralling around you. And those manta rays? They’re magnificent, gliding through the blue, often in groups. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat any potential crowds and to catch the marine life at its most active. It’s a truly wild dive, a proper adventure.
Mainland Coast
Ecuador · South America
Ecuador's Pacific coast with seasonal humpback whale encounters and emerging dive sites.
Egypt(8 regions)
Brothers Islands
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Two remote oceanic islands with dramatic walls, hammerhead sharks, oceanic whitetips, and historic wrecks. Live-aboard only.
Dahab
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Dahab, for us, is the Red Sea's quirky, laid-back cousin. It’s where the mountains meet the sea in a spectacular, sun-baked landscape. This isn't your typical resort diving; here, it's all about accessible shore entries and some truly unique geology. Our favourite spots are the ones that lean into Dahab’s distinctive character. The Blue Hole, for all its fame, still mesmerises with its sheer drop, the light changing as you descend, and those deep-water overhangs. We always recommend an early morning dive there, before the crowds arrive. The Canyon is another standout, a genuinely surreal experience as you slip through the sandy chute, the light filtering in from above. Look out for the resident moray eels peeking from crevices. And don’t skip Eel Garden, where thousands of garden eels wave in unison from the sand, particularly impressive on a calm day. Conditions are generally kind here, making it a brilliant spot for newer divers to build confidence. We've seen everything from curious bottlenose dolphins cruising by, to the subtle beauty of fluorescence grass coral glowing under a torch. The staghorn corals are robust and healthy in many areas, providing shelter for colourful Klunzinger's wrasse and yellowtail surgeonfish. While you won't find raging currents often, a slight push can sometimes add to the drift feel along the reefs. Dahab just has this vibe, a place you can settle into for a week and feel truly at home underwater.
Deep South
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
The Deep South is where we send divers who think they’ve seen it all in Egypt. Forget the bustling northern sites; this is raw Red Sea, often best explored by liveaboard. We're talking Fury Shoals, St. John's, Daedalus - places where the hum of the boat is often the loudest sound. What makes it special? It’s the sharks. Not just a fleeting glimpse, but often a consistent presence. Oceanic whitetips at Daedalus are a highlight, patrolling the walls with an almost casual confidence. And the spinner dolphins at Sataya Reef in Fury Shoals? They’re famously playful. We’ve had mornings there where we’ve spent an hour just floating, watching pods of them leap and spin, a proper wildlife show. Visibility here can be phenomenal, often stretching beyond 30 metres, which is handy when you’re looking out for those pelagics. The reefs themselves are healthy, with vibrant Staghorn coral formations and plenty of smaller stuff too - Duncker's pipefish hiding in the Paddle Grass, or Cowfish pottering over the reef top. Currents can be robust, especially at Daedalus, so it’s definitely one for advanced divers comfortable with drifts. Our advice? Go in autumn for the best chance of shark encounters, and always listen to your guide; they know where the action is.
El Gouna
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
El Gouna is often overshadowed by its flashier neighbours, but we’ve always had a soft spot for its relaxed vibe and genuinely excellent diving. Think fewer crowds, fewer boats, and surprisingly healthy reefs just a stone’s throw from your resort. You get easy access to some of the northern Red Sea’s best, like the legendary Abu Nuhas wreck alley. We’re talking four historic wrecks in one concentrated area, each with its own character. The Ghiannis D, for instance, offers swim-throughs filled with glassfish, light filtering in through deck openings. Sha’ab el-Erg, often called ‘Dolphin House,’ is another highlight. On a good day, you’ll be in the water with pods of bottlenose dolphins, their clicks and whistles surprisingly clear even through a regulator. It’s not a guarantee, but those encounters are pure magic. We’ve found the early morning boat trips usually yield the best luck. For something a bit more advanced, Carless Reef can deliver proper shark action, though it often involves a bit more current. The reef structure itself is impressive, a deep wall draped in soft corals. We’d suggest going in the shoulder seasons, April-May or September-October, to dodge the peak heat and still enjoy superb visibility. It's a great choice for those who appreciate good diving without the hustle.
Hurghada
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Hurghada has been a Red Sea staple for decades, and for good reason. It’s the original Egyptian dive hub, and while some of the nearshore reefs have seen better days, the further afield sites really deliver. We love the easy access to the Giftun Island reefs, where the schooling fusiliers can be so thick they block the sun. For the history buffs, Hurghada is the gateway to the famous Abu Nuhas wreck graveyard, with its four well-preserved ships, and the legendary SS Thistlegorm is just a longer day trip away. We’d suggest planning your dives for earlier in the morning to beat the crowds, especially around the more popular Giftun sites. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 metres, which makes those deeper sections of the wrecks particularly inviting. Look out for slender groupers tucked into the reef crevices and the distinctive candelamoa parrotfish grazing on the corals. We often see the vibrant red sea clown surgeons flitting around the coral heads and, if you’re lucky, a pod of bridled dolphins might just cruise by in the blue. The currents can pick up, particularly around the exposed Giftun sites, making for some exhilarating drift dives.
Marsa Alam
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Marsa Alam, for us, is where the Red Sea really starts to feel wild. It's quieter down here, definitely less crowded than the northern sites, and that's a big part of its charm. We love the feeling of space you get. You’re more likely to spend your surface intervals spotting dolphins than dodging other dive boats. Take Samadai Reef, for example. We’ve had some incredible encounters there with pods of long-beaked dolphins, the sound of their clicks and whistles echoing through the water as they zip past. It's a truly exhilarating experience. Then there's Abu Dabbab, a calm, shallow bay where the seagrass meadows are a magnet for dugongs. Drifting over them, watching these gentle giants graze, is pure serenity. It’s an almost spiritual experience, honestly, a real change of pace from the adrenaline of other sites. For those who like a bit more thrill, Elphinstone Reef delivers. It’s a proper offshore pinnacle, often with a decent current, and it’s famous for its oceanic whitetips. Seeing those sharks cruise out of the deep blue, unperturbed by your presence, is always a heart-stopper. We'd suggest going early in the morning for the best chance of spotting them. The reef itself is also beautiful, with big gorgonian fans and a healthy soft coral growth. Just remember, it can get sporty out there, so good buoyancy is a must. Marsa Alam feels like stepping back into a slightly more pristine version of the Red Sea, where the big stuff still shows up with reassuring regularity.
Safaga
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Safaga. It's often overlooked, sitting just south of Hurghada, but we think that's precisely its charm. You’ll find fewer crowds here, more space on the reefs, and a genuinely relaxed vibe, which we always appreciate. We particularly love the offshore sites; Tobia Arba, with its seven pinnacles, feels like a private aquarium, and we’ve often spent entire dives simply circling one coral head, spotting ocellated plesiops peeking out. The diving here really shines on the big reef systems like Panorama Reef. It’s a huge, sloping wall that just keeps giving, often with schools of diagonal butterflyfish fluttering in the blue. Keep an eye out for greenband parrotfish chomping on the coral and brownbanded wrasse darting between crevices. Of course, the Salem Express wreck is a powerful experience; it’s a sombre dive, but you get a real sense of scale and history. We always find the visibility here generous, often reaching 30 metres, especially outside of the summer months when the water is cooler and clearer. You might even hear the distinct clicks of dolphins in the distance.
Sharm el-Sheikh
Egypt · Red Sea & Middle East
Sharm el-Sheikh is where many of us got our first taste of proper Red Sea diving, and it still holds a special place. Forget the crowded resorts; the real draw is the easy access to some truly epic sites. We love the drift dives along the walls of Ras Mohammed National Park, especially around Shark and Yolanda Reefs. You’re practically guaranteed to see those enormous schools of fusiliers, so thick they blot out the sun, and usually a grey reef shark or two cruising past. The Thistlegorm wreck is another absolute classic. Go early to beat the crowds and watch the resident batfish and barracuda wake up. We’d suggest visiting outside of peak summer if you can, the water is still warm and the dive boats are a bit less packed. Visibility is generally excellent year-round, often pushing 30 metres, which is handy when you're trying to spot a bullethead parrotfish munching on coral. The currents can pick up, especially in the Straits of Tiran, making for some exhilarating drifts, but nothing an intermediate diver can't handle. Keep an eye out for dolphins, we've had some incredible encounters with Indian Ocean bottlenose pods here. Sharm delivers consistent, vibrant diving without too much fuss.
Eritrea
Fiji(6 regions)
Beqa Lagoon
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Home to the famous Shark Reef Marine Reserve with eight species of sharks including bulls and tigers.
Bligh Water
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Between Viti Levu and Vanua Levu with dramatic seamounts like E-6 draped in spectacular soft corals.
Kadavu & Great Astrolabe Reef
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Kadavu and the Great Astrolabe Reef. This place feels like a proper expedition, not just another dive trip. We’re talking about one of the biggest barrier reefs on the planet, and honestly, it still feels wild. The currents here can be lively, which is exactly what keeps the reef so healthy and brings in the bigger stuff. We love a good drift dive through channels where the water just zips you along, past immense staghorn coral gardens. Keep an eye out for the Crossroads Reefgoby, they’re tiny but everywhere if you look closely. Our favourite spots are often on the outer walls, where you get that deep blue drop-off. You’ll definitely see silvertip sharks patrolling the edges, a truly impressive sight. If you’re lucky, and timing is everything, the manta rays show up in numbers, often between May and October. We’d suggest going early in the morning for those encounters, before the sun gets too high. There's a particular joy to a muck dive around some of the shallower bays too; we’ve spotted cowries and the oddly charming Brown Snake Moray there. It’s not always about the big pelagics, though Kadavu certainly delivers on those. The sheer scale of the reef means you rarely see another boat, which is a rare treat these days.
Mamanuca Islands
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Resort islands with accessible reef diving, swim-throughs, and healthy coral gardens. Perfect for combining diving with tropical beach holidays.
Savusavu
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Vanua Levu's diving hub with Namena Marine Reserve's pristine reefs, soft coral gardens, and hammerhead encounters at offshore seamounts.
Taveuni & Somosomo Strait
Fiji · Central & South Pacific
Taveuni and the Somosomo Strait, that channel between Taveuni and Vanua Levu, is where Fiji truly shows off its soft corals. We’re talking about the Rainbow Reef and the Great White Wall, places that live up to their names. Think fluorescent purples, blazing oranges, and electric pinks, all swaying in the current. You’ll find yourself just drifting along, mesmerized by the colours, sometimes with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light, then a lone trevally will dart through. The currents here can be robust, especially around the full and new moons, which is precisely what feeds those glorious corals. We always suggest trying to hit the slack tide for easier photo opportunities, but embrace the drift. It's often when you cover the most ground, and those soft corals are at their happiest. Keep an eye out for brownbanded bamboo sharks tucked under ledges; they're always a treat. While the soft corals are the undisputed stars, we’ve also spotted yellow spotted trevally zipping by and even the odd blacktip tripodfish on the deeper sections. It’s a riot of colour and movement, and our favourite spots are often those corners where the current really pushes through, turning the reef into a waving garden.
France(2 regions)
Corsica
France · Mediterranean & Europe
Corsica diving, for us, is about those dramatic granite landscapes continuing right below the surface. We’re talking sheer walls plunging into the blue, riddled with grottos and overhangs, often thick with red gorgonian fans. Visibility is consistently good, usually 20m plus, especially outside of the peak summer months when the coastal waters can get a bit churned up. Our favourite spots are often found around the Scandola Nature Reserve. Here, you’ll find cracks in the rock filled with common lobsters waving their antennae and shy painted eels peeking out. Look closely, and you might spot an Odd Bobtail Squid scooting across the seabed, changing colours right before your eyes. We’ve also had some incredible encounters with grey dolphins offshore, often coming right up to the bow on the way out to a dive site. The wrecks, particularly those from WWII, are fantastic too, often encrusted with life and home to schooling bastard grunt. If you can, aim for late spring or early autumn; the water is still warm, and the dive boats are less crowded. Just watch for strong currents on some of the more exposed pinnacles.
Marseille & Calanques
France · Mediterranean & Europe
Marseille and the Calanques, it’s not your typical tropical getaway, but it’s absolutely worth the dive. We love the rugged, sun-baked coastline dropping sharply into the Med, making for some dramatic wall dives. Picture yourself drifting along a rocky face, spotting transparent gobies darting into crevices, or maybe a Cadenat's Rockfish peering out from a darker corner. The wrecks are a major draw here; there are hundreds, though many are deep. If you’re wreck-certified, you’ll find some incredible, well-preserved sites that tell a real story. And the caves - oh, the caves. Exploring the light shafts and grottoes, it feels like an adventure from a Jules Verne novel. Keep an eye out for a passing Blue-white Dolphin, especially in the deeper, open sections. Currents can be tricky, so always listen to your dive guide, but often they mean some excellent drift dives. Early autumn is our favourite time; the water is still warm, and the summer crowds have thinned out.
French Polynesia(5 regions)
Bora Bora
French Polynesia · Central & South Pacific
Bora Bora. We know what you're thinking: honeymooners, overwater bungalows, maybe a quick snorkel. And yes, it’s all that, but the diving here really does hold its own, especially if you’re into big animal encounters in the lagoon. We love the easy drift dives just outside the main passes, where eagle rays often glide by with very little effort on your part. Inside the reef, the shark and ray feeding dives are a consistent hit, a close-up encounter with blacktip reef sharks and stingrays that never feels overly touristy, more like an energetic meeting. It’s warm, usually calm, and the visibility lets you see a good distance. Our favourite time of year to visit is late August through October. That's when humpback whales make their seasonal appearance. Hearing them sing underwater is something else entirely; it vibrates right through you.
Fakarava
French Polynesia · Central & South Pacific
Fakarava isn't just a place; it's an experience of raw, untamed ocean. We've spent weeks here, and every time, the South Pass, Garuae, still blows our minds. Forget "wall of sharks"-it's a *river* of grey reef sharks, hundreds strong, just riding the current like it’s their own private highway. You feel the current push and pull, the water vibrating with the energy of all those apex predators. We’d suggest timing your dive for an incoming tide; that's when the action really kicks off, though it means a faster drift. Beyond the famous pass, the outer reef dives offer a more relaxed pace. We’ve had some cracking encounters with humphead unicornfish and massive schools of bluelined surgeonfish swirling around the coral heads. Keep an eye out for ringtail maori wrasse; they're surprisingly curious here. Visibility is usually excellent, often reaching 30 meters, and the reef itself feels incredibly healthy. It’s a proper drift dive destination, so you spend less time finning and more time just watching the world go by. For a truly unforgettable dive, we love dropping in at the start of an incoming tide and just letting the current carry us through Garuae, surrounded by those silent hunters. It’s truly special.
Moorea & Tahiti
French Polynesia · Central & South Pacific
Moorea and Tahiti offer two distinct flavours of French Polynesian diving, and we love them both for different reasons. Moorea, for us, is all about the big stuff, particularly during humpback season from July to November. Hearing their songs vibrate through your chest on a safety stop is a truly humbling experience. Even outside of whale season, the lemon shark dives here are a consistent thrill. You’re often surrounded by dozens of them, sleek grey bodies gliding with an unnerving grace. Tahiti, on the other hand, is where we head for something a bit different. The wrecks, especially the Catalina flying boat and the *Yukon*, are fantastic for penetration dives if you’re qualified, or just exploring the growth on their exteriors. We’ve spotted robust hexagon groupers lurking in the shadows and schools of blue-lined surgeonfish swirling around the masts. Current can be a factor on some drift dives, but it’s often what brings in the action. Visibility typically hovers around 20-30 metres, giving you plenty of scope to take it all in. Our favourite pick for a relaxed afternoon dive has to be a drift along the outer reef, letting the current do the work as you spot parrotfish crunching on coral.
Rangiroa
French Polynesia · Central & South Pacific
Rangiroa isn't just diving; it’s an underwater rodeo. We love the passes here, especially Tiputa, where the incoming tide creates a conveyor belt of marine life. Imagine hanging weightless, watching a dozen grey reef sharks cruise by, then a pod of bottlenose dolphins zipping past, often close enough you can hear their clicks and whistles. Our favourite time to dive the passes is during an incoming tide, ideally a few days after the full moon for stronger currents and more action. You’ll drift past walls covered in yellowmargin triggerfish and two-tone wrasse, then through schools of fusiliers so thick they momentarily block the light. Keep an eye out for humphead wrasse foraging on the reef. It’s not just big stuff; the reef edges hold spotted tobies and lettered mitres if you slow down. The currents can be serious, so good buoyancy and comfort in moving water are essential. It's exhilarating, sometimes challenging, and always memorable.
Tikehau
French Polynesia · Central & South Pacific
A pink-sand atoll with a single pass teeming with manta rays, grey reef sharks, and barracuda. Less visited than Rangiroa but equally spectacular.
Greece(8 regions)
Alonissos Marine Park
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Alonissos Marine Park, Greece's sanctuary for the elusive Mediterranean monk seal, holds a quiet charm. We often find ourselves drawn to the deeper walls and the ancient amphora fields - they tell a story you can almost hear bubbling through your regulator. Diving here isn't about megafauna, though a fleeting glimpse of a dolphin is always a thrill. It's about spotting the Aegean tube worms waving from the rock face, tracing the path of a marbled spinefoot, or finding a carefully camouflaged cowfish peering out from the seagrass. The real magic, for us, lies in the quieter moments and the historical context. The Peristera shipwreck is a standout, especially when the light filters just right through the water, illuminating the ancient cargo. We’d suggest a morning dive there, before the dive boats from Skopelos start arriving. Visibility can be excellent, especially in early summer, and the thermoclines are less pronounced. Keep an eye out for the Silver-cheeked Toadfish; they're an invasive species, yes, but undeniably striking. It’s a place that rewards patience and a keen eye for the smaller things, a true European Mediterranean experience without the usual crowds.
Chios & Northeast Aegean
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Remote Aegean islands with volcanic underwater formations, sea caves, and rich marine life at the crossroads of Mediterranean and Black Sea currents.
Crete
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Crete. Greece’s big one. We love it for its unexpected ruggedness, both above and below the surface. Forget tropical reefs here; this is Mediterranean diving at its most atmospheric. Think dramatic rock formations dropping into deep blue, light shafts piercing through ancient caves, and a fascinating array of critters that often get overlooked elsewhere. Our favourite dive has to be the Elephant Cave. It’s a genuine marvel, a freshwater cave system filled with prehistoric elephant fossils - ribs, vertebrae, even tusks. Diving through there, you feel the cool water on your face, the silence broken only by your own breathing, and then you see them, those ghostly white bones against the dark rock. It's a surreal, almost spiritual experience. Beyond the caves, we've had some cracking wall dives, particularly on the south coast, where the rock face just keeps going down, covered in orange and purple sponges. Keep an eye out for the Studded Pufferfish; they’re surprisingly endearing. Currents can pick up, especially around headlands, so it's worth checking conditions with the local centres before you plan your day. Summertime offers the best visibility, but we've found autumn diving here can be wonderfully peaceful.
Cyclades
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Santorini's volcanic caldera dive, Mykonos's archaeological sites, and Naxos's cave systems.
Dodecanese
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
The Dodecanese islands offer a proper Greek island hopping dive trip. We’ve found the diving here is less about pelagics and more about the geology and history. Think dramatic walls dropping into the blue, cool swim-throughs, and plenty of caves with light shafts cutting through the water. We particularly love the WWII wrecks around Rhodes, often encrusted with sponges, a nod to the islands’ past sponge-diving heritage. You’ll see plenty of Mediterranean regulars: marbled spinefoot darting through seagrass meadows, the occasional blue swimming crab scuttling across the sand. Keep an eye out for the common brittlestars clinging to rocks. We’ve even spotted bottlenose dolphins cruising by on longer boat rides, a real treat. Visibility can often hit 25-30 metres in summer, making those deeper wall dives feel endless. Our pick for a unique experience has to be exploring the sea caves around Kalymnos, especially in the morning when the sun’s angle is just right, painting the interiors with incredible light. Current can pick up, especially around exposed points, so it's worth checking conditions with local centres.
Halkidiki
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Halkidiki often surprises people. You come for the beaches and end up staying for the diving. We love how the three peninsulas offer such varied underwater topography, from gentle reefs perfect for a lazy afternoon dive to dramatic walls that just drop away into the deep. Our favourite sites are often found off the Kassandra peninsula, where the rocky outcrops create fascinating swim-throughs and small caves. You won't find the big pelagics here, but you will find a vibrant Mediterranean ecosystem. Keep an eye out for the intricate Sunset cup corals, a real treat to spot, and the rather endearing Mediterranean Tooth-footed Snapping Shrimp. We've often spent a good chunk of a dive just watching them scurry about. Visibility is generally excellent, especially in late spring and early autumn, making it easy to appreciate the smaller details like the Hairy Sea-mat or the elegant Mediterranean feather stars clinging to the rocks. The water temperatures are pleasant well into October, allowing for comfortable diving without a drysuit. If you're into history, there are a few World War II wrecks scattered around, offering a different kind of exploration. Just be aware that some of the more exposed sites can experience currents, so it’s always worth checking conditions with your local dive centre.
Peloponnese
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
Ancient shipwreck diving in the cradle of Western civilization alongside Mediterranean reef ecosystems.
Zakynthos & Ionian Islands
Greece · Mediterranean & Europe
When we talk about diving in the Ionian, we’re talking about Zakynthos, specifically. This place isn't about megafauna, it’s about the quiet magic of the Mediterranean. Think clear, calm water, sunbeams piercing through cave entrances, and a surprising density of smaller, colourful creatures. We’ve spent hours drifting through the Blue Caves of Zakynthos, the light show alone is worth the trip, painting the walls with electric blues. Our favourite dives here are the deep wall dives, particularly around Marathonisi. You’ll often find loggerhead turtles cruising by, completely unfazed. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff - the Risso's Crabs tucked into crevices, or the flash of a Broadnosed pipefish hiding in eelgrass beds. The Red Coral here is particularly striking against the white rock. We generally prefer diving early morning for the best light and fewer boats. The currents can pick up, making some of the cave dives more suited for advanced divers, but the rewards are there for those who know their stuff. Don't expect dramatic currents or massive pelagics, but if you appreciate intricate cave systems and a relaxed pace, you'll love it.
Grenada(2 regions)
Carriacou
Grenada · Caribbean
Carriacou has this laid-back charm, a real contrast to some of the busier Caribbean spots. It’s got that “sister island” vibe, just a short hop from Grenada proper, and the diving really benefits from fewer boats and divers. We love that feeling of having a site almost to ourselves. The reefs here feel wonderfully healthy, loaded with sponges and anemones. Drift dives are our pick, especially along the west coast where the currents gently push you past big schools of fusiliers and snapper. You’ll often spot a Mottled Conger Moray peeking out from a crevice, or an Orangespotted Filefish darting between the coral heads. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with shy Diamond Blennies here, always a treat to watch them flicker in and out of their burrows. The wrecks, like the *Boris*, are pretty accessible for intermediate divers and have become artificial reefs, drawing in plenty of Black-ear Wrasse and curious Hamlets. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 metres, making it easy to just relax and take it all in. We’d suggest going in the drier months, December to May, for the calmest surface conditions.
Southwest Coast
Grenada · Caribbean
Grenada's Southwest Coast hits that sweet spot for divers who appreciate variety without having to hop on a dozen different boats. We love that you can start your day exploring the eerie beauty of the *Bianca C* wreck, then spend your afternoon finning through the whimsical figures of the Underwater Sculpture Park, and still have time for a chilled-out reef dive. The currents here can be a bit frisky sometimes, especially around the exposed wrecks, but they’re also what bring in some of the bigger pelagic show-stoppers. Our favourite spots often involve a bit of muck diving too. Keep an eye out for the smaller, quirkier residents like the tiny Goldline Blenny or the surprisingly colourful Saddle Squirrelfish tucked into the crevices. We’ve had incredible luck spotting huge schools of Horse-eye Jacks here, their silver bodies flashing in unison as they patrol the deeper sections. If you're after a thrill, a drift dive along some of the deeper walls can bring you face to face with a cruising Mahi Mahi or a curious Dorado. Visibility is generally solid, but if you hit it after a strong rainfall, expect a bit more particulate in the water. Go early in the morning for the quietest dives.
Guadeloupe
Guatemala(2 regions)
Caribbean Coast
Guatemala · Central America
Guatemala's Caribbean Coast is a different beast from its Pacific side, a laid-back corner where the jungle meets the sea. We’re talking about diving just off Livingston, easily accessible and generally pretty calm. Forget about dramatic pelagic encounters; here, it’s all about the reef’s intimate details. We love finding the little guys tucked away: the Ridged Cactus Coral, like miniature underwater brains, sheltering tiny Dwarf Blennies peering out. Keep an eye out for Reinhardt’s Lanternfish, their subtle glow in dimmer light, or a well-camouflaged Reef Scorpionfish blending into the seabed. The Roughtail Stingrays are usually pretty relaxed, often just resting in the sand. You’ll find some old wrecks too, nothing massive, but they add a bit of structure for the Glassy Sweepers and the occasional Cowfish. It’s beginner-friendly diving, currents are usually mild, and you can really take your time exploring the nooks and crannies. We’d suggest going in the dry season, roughly November to May, for the best visibility.
Lake Atitlan
Guatemala · Central America
Diving Lake Atitlan isn’t your typical Caribbean escape. This is high-altitude, cold-water diving with a serious dose of history and some truly unique geology. We love it because it’s so different, a proper adventure rather than a gentle drift. Think submerged Mayan ruins, volcanic hot vents bubbling up from the lakebed, and fascinating rock formations sculpted by ancient eruptions. Visibility here can swing wildly depending on recent rains, but on a good day, you’ll get 15 meters, sometimes more. Our favourite dives often involve exploring the ‘Lost City’ of Samabaj, a legitimate archaeological site now underwater, where you can fin past stone structures and imagine life centuries ago. It’s eerie, peaceful, and totally captivating. We'd suggest a 7mm suit, maybe even a drysuit if you’re prone to the cold, as the thermoclines are noticeable and the water rarely climbs above 22°C. Keep an eye out for the endemic fish species, like the Atitlan mojarra, darting amongst the submerged trees. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about the unusual, the quiet exploration, and the feeling of diving somewhere truly off the beaten path.
Honduras(5 regions)
Cayos Cochinos
Honduras · Central America
A marine biological reserve with pristine shallow reefs, nurse sharks, and limited development. Community-managed conservation ensures healthy ecosystems.
Guanaja
Honduras · Central America
The least developed Bay Island with pristine, uncrowded diving and dramatic walls.
Roatán
Honduras · Central America
Roatán’s a special place, one we often find ourselves recommending for those looking for solid, affordable wall diving. It’s the kind of place where you can roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and be on a boat heading to a fantastic site within minutes. We love the sheer variety here, from gentle drift dives along the extensive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef to exhilarating drops over dramatic walls that plunge into the deep. You’re not just seeing the big stuff, though loggerheads do make an appearance. Keep an eye out for the smaller inhabitants like the White-eye Goby peeking from its hole, or the Atlantic Lookdown shimmering in the blue. The walls are often draped in sponges and soft corals, creating vibrant tapestries that shift with the surge. Our favourite dives often happen early morning when the light plays through the water just right, illuminating schools of Big-eye Anchovies. Current can pick up on some sites, so it’s worth checking conditions with your dive shop, but generally, it’s a calm affair, making it pretty accessible for most divers. If you’re a fan of exploring crevices, you’ll find plenty of spots for Yellow roughneck shrimp and Robertson's Blennies.
Tela & North Coast
Honduras · Central America
Mainland Caribbean diving with the Lancetilla Botanical Reserve nearby. Reef diving, whale shark sightings, and the Garifuna cultural experience.
Utila
Honduras · Central America
Utila, ah, Utila. We’ve spent more than a few weeks here, and it really is a place that gets under your skin. Sure, everyone knows it for the whale sharks, and yes, you stand a great chance of seeing them from March to May and again August to October. But the actual reef diving? That’s what keeps us coming back. Drop onto a site like Black Hills and you’re immediately enveloped by schools of snapper, so dense they shimmer like a curtain. We particularly love the feel of drifting along a wall, spotting a mimic blenny peeking out from a crevice, or tracing the delicate branches of a yellow pencil coral. The boulder brain coral formations are just immense, ancient structures that feel like underwater cities. On a good day, the visibility stretches out to 30 metres, giving you this expansive view of the reef's topography. For something a bit different, check out a cenote dive, which is pretty unique for the Caribbean. Conditions are generally calm, making it a good spot for all levels, though some of the deeper walls will test your buoyancy. Our insider tip? Dive early. The morning light filtering through the water is magical, and you’ll often have the best sites to yourselves before the crowds arrive. It's not the wildest diving in Central America, but it’s consistently enjoyable, easy to access, and delivers on its promise of big fish encounters.
Iceland(3 regions)
Silfra & Thingvellir
Iceland · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving Silfra isn’t like any other dive; it’s an Iceland-specific experience that will reset your expectations for water clarity. We’re talking over 100 metres of visibility in glacial meltwater so pure you can drink it, all while drifting between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The sheer scale of the fissure, dropping to around 30 metres in places, makes you feel incredibly small. It’s chilly, often sitting around 2-4°C, so a drysuit is non-negotiable, and we’d suggest investing in good quality undergarments for warmth. We love the feeling of weightlessness in the ‘Cathedral’, where the fissure widens, letting more light filter down. Marine life here isn't the point; you might spot a few Arctic char or some of that vibrant green ‘troll hair’ algae clinging to the rocks, but the draw is the geological drama. Our favourite practical tip: get there early to avoid the crowds, especially in summer, as it can get busy. The light plays differently at various times of day too; late morning usually gives the best illumination into the deeper sections.
Strytan & North Iceland
Iceland · Mediterranean & Europe
Strytan isn't just a dive site, it’s a geological phenomenon, a warm anomaly in the cold north. We love the feeling of descending onto the pinnacle itself, a hydrothermal chimney bubbling away, releasing warm water from the earth. The temperature shift is palpable, and that warmth attracts an unusual mix of Arctic marine life. You’ll see species like the Northern sea fern clinging to the towers, thriving in the geothermal heat. The surrounding reefs hold big Atlantic cod and schools of coalfish. This isn't your colourful tropical reef, but the scale of the geology and the sheer resilience of the life here is incredible. Visibility can be excellent, often around 20-30 metres, especially outside of the spring plankton bloom. We’d suggest focusing on the quieter morning dives if you can, before any potential boat traffic kicks up the silty bottom nearby. You might even spot a harbour porpoise zipping by or hear the distant calls of minke whales during the summer months. It's a stark, powerful place, and truly unique.
Vestmannaeyjar
Iceland · Mediterranean & Europe
The Westman Islands off Iceland's south coast with volcanic underwater topography, kelp forests, and rich cold-water marine life.
India(4 regions)
Andaman Islands
India · Indian Ocean & East Africa
The Andaman Islands, way out in the Bay of Bengal, feel genuinely remote. We love the feeling of being somewhere so far off the beaten path, and the diving really delivers on that promise. Around Havelock and Neil Islands, you'll find healthy reefs, still vibrant and full of fish. We've often seen schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light, a real sensory overload. Keep an eye out for the big pelagics too - manta rays cruise through the deeper sections, and we've had some incredible encounters with dugongs, just placidly grazing. Our favourite spots often involve a bit of current, particularly around the pinnacles, where you’re practically guaranteed to see giant trevally hunting. The drift dives here are exhilarating, pulling you past walls decorated with colourful sponges and soft corals. For something a bit different, the chance of spotting a chambered nautilus is a huge draw, especially on night dives. While the Andaman Sea can kick up a bit, particularly during monsoon season, the visibility during the drier months is generally excellent, often reaching 20-30 metres, giving you plenty of time to take it all in. Beginner and intermediate divers will find plenty to explore here.
Goa & Karnataka Coast
India · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Western India's most accessible diving, with seasonal visibility from November to May and interesting wreck sites from the colonial era.
Lakshadweep
India · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Lakshadweep. Just the name sounds like somewhere you have to work to get to, and you do. It’s an archipelago of coral atolls, a bit of a journey from the mainland, which keeps the crowds down, and that’s a huge part of its appeal. We’ve always found the reefs here incredibly healthy, less touched than many other Indian Ocean spots. You’ll spend most of your time drifting along walls covered in Montipora and corrugated corals, keeping an eye out for patrolling blacktip reef sharks. What we really love are the endless schools of big long-nosed butterflyfish that seem to follow you, and the way the sapphire demoiselles glimmer against the deeper blue. We’ve seen more white dolphins here than anywhere else in India, a real treat. Visibility is usually superb, letting you pick out the tiny mimic blennies darting into their holes or a camouflaged sharptooth seabass blending into the reef. For a bit of excitement, look for narrow-barred Spanish mackerel zipping past. The calm lagoon dives are perfect for beginners, while the outer reefs offer gentle drifts for those with more experience. Our top tip? Go during the drier months for the calmest seas and best chances of spotting nesting turtles on shore.
Pondicherry & Tamil Nadu
India · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Emerging dive scene on India's southeast coast, with artificial reef projects and surprisingly rich marine life near temple towns.
Indonesia(13 regions)
Alor
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Remote eastern Indonesia offers nutrient-rich waters with stunning soft coral gardens, pelagic encounters, and unique critters.
Ambon & Maluku
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
World-class muck diving in Ambon Bay with rare critters including the psychedelic frogfish. The Spice Islands offer a unique blend of critter hunting and pristine reef diving.
Bali
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Bali diving feels like choosing your own adventure. We’ve had incredible luck with the USAT Liberty wreck at Tulamben - a shallow-water behemoth that’s just begging for exploration. You can spend an entire dive just circling its bow, watching the schools of fusiliers swirl so thick they block out the sun, or hunting for those tiny pygmy seahorses clinging to the gorgonians. Our favourite time there is early morning, before the day boats arrive, when the light filters through the structure and casts long, dancing shadows. Then you’ve got Nusa Penida, a completely different beast. It’s where we go for the big stuff. The drift dives around Crystal Bay and Manta Point are exhilarating - sometimes a bit of a washing machine, but that’s the price you pay for seeing a manta ray glide silently over your head, its wingtips almost brushing you. We’d suggest going between July and October for the best chance of spotting a Mola Mola at depth, though a few years back we saw one at just 15 metres, massive and serene, just off a rocky outcrop. Keep an eye out for the smaller critters too - we’ve often spotted Seastar Shrimp tucked into anemones on the reef flats when the current eases. It’s busy, yes, but the sheer variety keeps us coming back.
Banda Sea
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Remote and expedition-only, the Banda Sea offers encounters with hammerhead sharks, whale sharks, and massive schools of pelagics.
Cenderawasih Bay
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Cenderawasih Bay feels like stepping back in time, a truly unique corner of Papua. We love it because it’s one of the few places where you can consistently dive with whale sharks, often multiple individuals, pretty much any day of the year. They hang out near the local *bagans* - those traditional fishing platforms - and seem completely unfazed by divers. We’ve had encounters where they circle for an hour, their rough skin brushing past as they filter feed. Beyond the big fish, the endemic species here are fascinating; keep an eye out for the Cenderawasih fusilier, a flash of yellow and purple that’s special to this bay. The dive sites offer a real mix, from healthy reefs draped in Montipora and staghorn corals to some surprisingly good muck diving, particularly around the shallower parts near the *bagans*. We’ve found the currents generally mild, making it a relaxed experience, which is a bonus when you’re busy trying to count the spots on a whale shark’s back. While there aren’t dive centres on shore, liveaboards are the way to go here, offering access to its more remote reaches. Our advice? Go slow. Take your time with the whale sharks, then switch gears and scour the reef for those smaller, endemic beauties.
Derawan Islands
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Derawan feels like a secret, even though the word is definitely out. It’s remote, sitting off the coast of Borneo, and that journey is part of its charm - we always feel we’ve earned the diving by the time we arrive. The diving here is wonderfully varied; you'll drift along walls at Maratua, where the barracuda often gather in a dense, swirling tornado, a truly impressive sight. Sangalaki is our favourite for mantas, especially during the plankton blooms, they glide past with such easy grace. But the absolute standout, the thing we tell everyone about, is Kakaban. Picture this: you fin through a narrow channel and emerge into a landlocked saltwater lake, warm and green. The water is thick with jellyfish, but they don't sting. It’s surreal to swim amongst them, a soft, pulsating cloud all around you. You’ll find healthy staghorn and table corals across many of the reefs, too, with plenty of compressed toby and black-belt hogfish darting about. Conditions can vary, so we always suggest checking local reports for current strength, especially around Maratua's channels. Dive centres are few, so book ahead.
Flores
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Flores. What a place. We love it for its sheer variety, acting as a kind of buffer between the madness of Komodo and the deeper, more remote sites around Alor. You get everything here, from the gentle, sun-dappled slopes of coral gardens, thick with fusiliers and chromis, to some proper adrenaline-pumping drift dives. We’ve seen Allison’s tuna hunting here, a flash of silver in the blue. The diving around Flores often feels like a secret, even with its proximity to Komodo. Our favourite spots are the current-swept channels, where you can hook in and watch the show. Camouflage groupers seem to materialise from the reef, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a Stobbs' pygmygoby peeking from its coral home. We’d suggest diving early to catch the best light on the coral, especially the staghorn patches which just glow in the morning sun. Just remember, currents can be swift, so be ready for some serious motion.
Halmahera
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Halmahera feels like exploring uncharted territory, even in Indonesia. It’s frontier diving, pure and simple, and we love that raw, untamed feel. You’ll find healthy reefs here, largely untouched, where the corals - particularly the staghorn and turbinaria - grow in massive, sprawling formations. Diving a wall, you might spot pinkfish darting through the coral branches and thick schools of bullet mackerel swirling in the blue. What makes Halmahera special for us is the genuine sense of discovery. We’ve been on dives where we felt like the first people to ever drop in, and that’s a rare thrill these days. Beyond the reefs, there are scattered WWII wrecks, silent reminders of another era, now home to silver sillago and flathead sleepers. Currents can be present, as you’d expect from a place with such vibrant marine life, so intermediate diving experience is a good idea. Our tip? Go during the dry season for the clearest visibility and calmest surface conditions, making those deeper wall dives even more rewarding. It’s not a place for resort crowds; it’s for divers who want to see what diving used to be like.
Komodo
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Komodo. Just the name conjures images of dragons and, for us, some truly electrifying diving. We’ve logged more bottom time here than almost anywhere else, and it never gets old. Picture yourself dropping into a dive at Batu Bolong, where the current parts around a pinnacle, revealing a wall absolutely plastered in corals. We’re talking Montipora and corrugated corals in shades you didn’t know existed, and then a cloud of yellowstriped cardinalfish just hangs there. It’s glorious. What we really love about Komodo is the sheer energy of the place. You’ll be soaring along a drift dive at Manta Alley, feeling the water push you, and then a train of mantas glides by, their mouths open wide. It’s often a bit chilly down there, a good 24°C, but that’s what brings in all the good stuff. We’ve seen black comb-tooth blennies peering from their holes and even spotted a fringe-eye flathead tucked into the sand. For a change of pace, we always make time for a muck dive. You might find an Indian seahare inching along or a tiny Kankra crab scuttling past. The currents can be fierce, especially around the full and new moons, so don’t underestimate them. Go with an experienced operator who knows the tides. We always recommend hitting the southern sites like Manta Alley in the dry season, roughly April to October, for the best chances with the big pelagics. The visibility is usually excellent then too, easily 20 meters plus.
Lombok & Gili Islands
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Lombok and the Gilis, for us, offer a really satisfying mix. You’ve got the easygoing Gili vibe, where Green Sea turtles practically queue up to pose for photos, then the wilder south coast of Lombok, with its proper currents and bigger fish. We really love the contrast. The Gili Islands, especially around Gili Trawangan and Meno, are a fantastic place to just switch off and glide. You’ll drift past schools of Blue-lined Surgeonfish, watch juvenile reef sharks cruise the coral heads, and spot Olive Ridleys munching away. It's relaxed, generally clear, and perfect for a few consecutive dives. Head south to Lombok, though, and it's a different game. The currents pick up, the topography gets more dramatic, and suddenly you’re looking for pelagics. We’ve had some truly exhilarating drift dives there, eyes peeled for Silvertip sharks and even a fleeting glimpse of a Silky. Keep an eye out for the more unusual stuff too - Crescent Grunters under ledges, tiny Seastar Shrimp on their namesake hosts. The variety keeps us coming back.
Raja Ampat
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Raja Ampat is an opinion-splitter, but we think it’s absolutely worth the journey. We’ve been a few times now, and each trip peels back another layer. Forget the sheer number of species; what’s really special is the *density* of it all. You’ll be finning along a reef, maybe at Melissa's Garden, and the fusiliers are so thick you practically have to push through them. Then, out of the blue, a Napoleon wrasse cruises by, completely unfazed. We’re big fans of the northern islands, particularly around Kawe and Wayag, where the pinnacles are just bursting with life. Currents can be properly feisty here, no doubt about it, but that’s what brings in the action. Think blacktip reef sharks circling out in the blue, or schools of barracuda forming a shimmering wall. Our favourite spot for mantas has to be Manta Ridge; we’ve seen them stacked up at the cleaning station, sometimes seven or eight at a time, just hovering there. For macro, a good guide will find you pipefish and pygmy seahorses tucked into every nook. It’s a place that demands respect for the ocean, but the rewards are immense. Go in the shoulder seasons, April or October, to avoid the slightly busier peak.
Sulawesi
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Sulawesi is a big place, so we’re talking several distinct dive personalities here. Bunaken Marine Park, for example, is all about those dizzying walls. You drop down, the blue stretching forever, and you just drift along, watching reef sharks patrol the edge and turtles munching on sponges. We love the sheer scale of it, and often the thermoclines bring in bigger pelagics. Then you’ve got Lembeh Strait. Forget wide-angle lenses; this is macro heaven. It’s not "pretty" in the usual sense; the volcanic sand slopes can look a bit desolate topside. But get under, and it’s an alien landscape. We’ve spent entire dives watching a flamboyant cuttlefish hunt or finding hairy frogfish tucked into a sponge. It’s slow diving, eyes to the sand, and truly rewarding. Wakatobi, further south, is a different beast entirely. Think vibrant, healthy reefs that just explode with colour. Our favourite spots there are usually the sheltered coves where the light filters through the soft corals, making everything glow. You’ll see schools of fusiliers so thick they block the sun, and the coral structures themselves are just immense. The currents can pick up, especially around the full moon, but that’s when the reef comes alive with feeding action. Overall, whether you’re into big walls, tiny critters, or pristine reefs, Sulawesi offers it. Just be prepared to travel a bit between the regions to experience the full spectrum.
Sumatra
Indonesia · Southeast Asia
Sumatra, often overshadowed by Indonesia’s more famous dive destinations, offers a compelling mix for those willing to venture a little further. Off the northern tip, Pulau Weh serves up some genuinely nice reef diving in the Andaman Sea. We’ve had some memorable drifts there, spotting large schools of Ehrenberg’s snapper and plenty of orbicular batfish hanging around the pinnacles. The corals, like the cactus coral, are in good shape, and we often find ourselves drifting past big patches of them. Move further south and west to the remote Mentawai Islands, and it’s a different vibe entirely. Here, you’re often diving completely uncrowded reefs, a real treat when you consider some of the busier spots in Southeast Asia. The currents can be quite lively in places, making for some exhilarating dives, and while the surf breaks draw a crowd, the underwater world feels largely untouched. You’ll see plenty of checkered seaperch and redcoats darting amongst the reef structure here.
Ireland(2 regions)
South Coast
Ireland · Mediterranean & Europe
South Coast diving in Ireland isn’t what most people picture when they think about the Emerald Isle. Forget chilly Atlantic currents. Here, a whisper of the Gulf Stream means genuinely warmer waters, making it surprisingly pleasant year-round. We’re talking about conditions that let you linger on those fascinating World War wrecks without turning into an icicle, or explore the intricate rock formations and swim-throughs that dot the coast. What we really love about the South Coast is its sheer variety. You’ve got a massive collection of wrecks, from both World Wars, sitting in remarkably clear conditions. We’ve spent dives navigating through their superstructures, spotting everything from cheeky conger eels to the occasional curious triggerfish peeking out. Then there’s the reef diving, which often gives you a very different vibe - think dramatic walls, some cracking caves, and a surprising amount of muck diving opportunities if you know where to look. We've often come across sea mice trundling along the seabed, and once, during a calm surface interval, we even spotted a Grey Phalarope dancing on the water. Visibility here can often push past 15 metres, especially outside of the peak summer months when the algal blooms can kick in a bit. Our favourite time to dive is definitely late spring or early autumn. The water is still comfortable, but you miss the busier periods and often get the best of the light. Be aware, though, that while the currents aren't usually brutal, they can pick up, so always check the local tide charts.
West Coast
Ireland · Mediterranean & Europe
The West Coast of Ireland is where the Wild Atlantic Way truly lives up to its name, especially underwater. We’re talking about proper wild diving here, a place for those who appreciate dramatic seascapes and a touch of the rugged. Think kelp forests swaying like ancient trees, impressive walls that drop into the deep, and a surprising number of bigger animals that glide through the blue. You’re not coming here for warm, gentle drifts; you’re coming for the raw beauty of the Atlantic. We love the sheer variety of dive sites; from sheltered reefs perfect for beginners to exposed pinnacles that challenge even advanced divers. Our favourite dives are often those around the towering walls, where you can watch the resident Cape Sharks cruise past, or spot a curious Bentnose Rabbitfish darting into crevices. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a Shortfin Mako out in the deeper water - a genuinely thrilling encounter. Visibility can be a mixed bag, improving dramatically in the calmer summer months. We'd suggest aiming for late spring or early autumn; you get fewer crowds and some cracking days out on the water. Keep an eye out for the Hooded Shrimp hiding in the kelp and the vibrant reddish crabs on the rocky seabed. It’s an immersive experience, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve toweled off.
Israel
Italy(4 regions)
Naples & Campania
Italy · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving in Naples and Campania? We’re talking about more than just a dip. You’re literally swimming through history here, especially at the Baia Underwater Archaeological Park. Seeing those ancient Roman villas and mosaic floors, now home to darting damsel fish and curious brown combers, it’s genuinely surreal. Beyond Baia, the volcanic coastline is a gift to divers. Think dramatic drop-offs, caves that beg exploration, and arches draped in vibrant Devonshire cup coral. We love seeking out the more unusual creatures here, like the Rufus snake eel slithering in the sand or the surprisingly charming odd bobtail squid. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, the light filtering through the arches is incredible. The wrecks are a particular highlight for us, often encrusted with bottleneck sea cucumbers and patrolled by conger eels. We’d suggest visiting in late spring or early autumn; the water is warm, and the summer crowds have thinned out, making for a much more peaceful experience. Just be ready for some boat traffic, it’s a busy bay.
Portofino & Liguria
Italy · Mediterranean & Europe
The Italian Riviera might conjure images of pastel villages and yacht-dotted harbours, but drop beneath the surface at Portofino and Liguria, and you’ll find some seriously compelling diving. We love the dramatic topography here - sheer walls draped in red gorgonian fans, secret caves, and pinnacles that scrape the surface. Keep an eye out for curious painted combers zipping through the crevices and we've even spotted loggerhead turtles cruising by on occasion. This is quintessential Mediterranean diving, where the magic lies in the details and the feeling of exploring ancient underwater landscapes. Our favourite time to visit is late spring or early autumn. You dodge the biggest crowds, and the water still holds a pleasant warmth. We’d suggest focusing on the Portofino Marine Protected Area for the best chance of encountering healthy gorgonian forests and schools of blacktail bream. The wrecks are a real highlight too; they've become artificial reefs, providing shelter for scorpionfish and morays. Currents can pick up, particularly around the exposed pinnacles, so it’s always worth chatting with the local dive centres about conditions on the day.
Sardinia
Italy · Mediterranean & Europe
Sardinia is a firm favourite of ours in the Mediterranean. We particularly love the island's west coast around Alghero, where the limestone cliffs drop dramatically into the sea, hiding a maze of grottoes and caverns just begging to be explored. Drop into Neptune's Grotto for a surface interval - it’s touristy, sure, but incredible - then head out for a dive in the Cala del Lazzaretto. We’ve finned through schools of salema here so thick they genuinely blot out the sun, a shimmering wall of silver. The marine reserves, like Tavolara Punta Coda Cavallo, offer some of the healthiest reefs we’ve seen in the Med. Look closely in the seagrass beds for broadnosed pipefish, and keep an eye out for flashes of black coral on deeper walls. Wrecks are scattered around too, often draped in fishing nets, home to resident pandora and pearl-sides. Visibility is usually superb, often pushing 30 metres, especially in late spring when the water starts to warm up but the summer crowds haven’t fully arrived. Currents can pick up, particularly around the capes, so it’s worth checking the local conditions.
Ustica
Italy · Mediterranean & Europe
Ustica holds a special place in our hearts; it was Italy's first marine protected area for good reason. Diving here feels like stepping back to a healthier Mediterranean. We love the intricate cave systems and the pinnacles that rise from the deep, often draped in Neptune's lace. You'll regularly spot schools of horse mackerel flashing past, and if you’re lucky, a curious Odd Bobtail Squid tucked into a crevice. The dive sites are a mix, from beginner-friendly reefs to more adventurous pinnacles, but it’s the sense of protection that really stands out. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 metres in summer, making the light rays in the grottos particularly dramatic. Our favourite site is the Grotta dei Gamberi, a shallow cave packed with red shrimp - look closely for them clustered on the roof. For something deeper, the Secchitello pinnacle is a real magnet for pelagics, especially in late summer when the water is warm and the baitfish are thick. We'd suggest visiting in early autumn; the crowds thin out, but the water is still bathtub warm, and the marine life remains active. Keep an eye out for Cuvier's Beaked Whales, though they’re shy, they do pass through these waters.
Jamaica(3 regions)
Montego Bay
Jamaica · Caribbean
Montego Bay gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes, being a busy cruise port, but we think its diving is quietly solid. It’s not going to blow your mind with massive pelagics, but what you do get are a surprising number of small, colourful reef fish in a well-protected marine park. The reefs here are mostly gentle slopes, but there are some nice walls and even a wreck to mix things up. We particularly like the feeling of diving in a protected area; it just feels healthier, you know? Our favourite dives are often the shallower ones, where the light plays beautifully through the gorgonians. You’ll spot plenty of trumpetfish hanging vertically, trying to blend in, and the cheeky little dwarf wrasse darting between coral heads. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with schools of doctorfish, so thick they almost obscure the sun. Visibility usually holds up well, especially in the mornings before the boat traffic picks up. If you're staying in Montego Bay, this is a great option for consistent, pleasant reef diving without long boat rides. Just don’t expect dramatic drop-offs or roaring currents; it’s more about the calm enjoyment of a healthy Caribbean reef.
Negril
Jamaica · Caribbean
Negril offers that quintessential laid-back Caribbean diving. It’s not about big pelagics or massive walls, it’s about slow, sunny dives with a healthy dose of chill. Think gentle currents, warm water, and plenty of light filtering down onto those shallower reefs. We love the feeling of just drifting along, spotting a Mottled Jawfish peering out, or watching Glassy Sweepers school in a small cavern. Our favourite spots are often the sites with small caves and overhangs. There’s something special about seeing a Surge Clingfish camouflaged on a rock, or catching the iridescent flash of an Atlantic Lookdown. Visibility here is usually good, particularly in the mornings before any afternoon chop picks up. We’d suggest getting out early to beat any crowds and really soak in the peaceful vibe. The reefs are generally healthy, if not spectacular, with plenty of Thin Finger Coral and sponges, and you’ll find the usual suspects - Yellowhead Wrasses, Hound Needlefish, and often a well-camouflaged Coral Scorpionfish. It's a forgiving place to dive, perfect for shaking off the rust or just enjoying a relaxed afternoon underwater.
Ocho Rios
Jamaica · Caribbean
Ocho Rios diving isn't about deep drifts or roaring pelagics. It’s about a relaxed Caribbean pace, getting a little closer to the small stuff. We love the feeling of just drifting over the gentle slopes, spotting creatures you might miss elsewhere. It’s ideal for those days when you just want to take it easy and truly observe. The North Coast reefs here, surprisingly close to Dunn's River Falls, are mellow. You’ll find some lovely gorgonian gardens, and we’ve spent hours just watching the Midnight Parrotfish going about their business. Keep an eye out for the unusual residents; we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Opossum Pipefish tucked away in the seagrass, and the Shortnose Batfish are always a treat, shuffling along the sandy patches. Our favourite sites often involve poking around the smaller crevices for things like the Dubious Cerith or the tiny Mouse Cone snails. Visibility is usually solid, around 20 metres or so, making it easy to just relax and explore. It’s not the most dramatic diving, but it’s consistently enjoyable, especially if you appreciate the subtler side of reef life.
Japan(5 regions)
Ishigaki & Yaeyama
Japan · East Asia
Ishigaki, and the Yaeyama islands beyond it, feel like Japan's answer to the South Pacific, but with a distinctly Japanese flavour. We love it for the sheer variety, from the dramatic drift dives to the surprisingly intricate coral gardens. Manta Scramble is the obvious draw, and for good reason; seeing these giants glide in during the spring to autumn months is a genuine thrill, sometimes so close you can hear the displacement of water as they pass. It’s a clean, open ocean experience. But look past the mantas, and you’ll find our favourite spots: the healthy hard coral fields. Montipora and brain corals here are just spectacular. We're talking vast, undulating landscapes of coral that feel ancient. Some of the caves are fantastic too, like going through a geological maze. Currents can be brisk on the deeper sites, so a bit of experience certainly helps, but there’s plenty for newer divers in the sheltered bays. We’d suggest going in late spring or early autumn to dodge the peak summer crowds and still catch good manta action.
Izu Peninsula
Japan · East Asia
Izu Peninsula. Japan’s most accessible diving from Tokyo, and we love it for its wild diversity. Think dramatic volcanic seascapes, an astonishing variety of macro critters, and, if you hit it right, some serious pelagic action. The local dive scene here is robust, with over 100 dive centres spread across the peninsula, so finding a guide is never an issue. What we genuinely appreciate about Izu is its commitment to the small stuff. The muck diving rivals Southeast Asia for sheer strangeness, with bizarre bellows fish and bristlemouths hiding in the sandy bottoms. Our favourite sites often involve poking around rocky overhangs, spotting frogfish perfectly camouflaged against the volcanic rock. We’ve spent whole dives mesmerized by the frantic displays of a short-head sabretooth blenny. But don’t pigeonhole Izu as just a macro spot. Mikomoto Island, a bit of a boat ride from Shimoda, offers a completely different vibe. Strong currents here sweep in hammerhead aggregations seasonally, usually from late summer into autumn. It’s an exhilarating drift, not for the faint of heart, but the reward of seeing dozens of sharks materialise from the blue is something else. You can practically feel the current pushing you along, the water roaring in your ears. For a different thrill, some of the deeper sites can reveal rarer finds like halosaurs or snipe eels, if you have the patience and the gas. Overall, Izu is a fantastic option for anyone looking for something beyond the typical coral reef.
Kerama Islands
Japan · East Asia
The Kerama Islands are a quick boat ride from Naha, but they feel a world away. We love the dramatic blue you get here, often 50 metres or more on a good day, earning it the nickname ‘Kerama Blue’. Our favourite sites are the pinnacles, where you’ll find schools of fusiliers so thick they sometimes block the light. Keep an eye out for green and hawksbill turtles gliding through the shallows. What makes Kerama special, beyond the visibility, is the sheer variety for an archipelago this size. You’ve got walls dropping into the abyss, intricate swim-throughs, and sandy patches perfect for macro hunting. We often spot barred blennies peeking from their holes and tiny orangefin ponyfish fluttering by. During winter months, between January and March, you might even hear the eerie song of humpback whales migrating through, a truly magical experience underwater. Dive early to avoid the crowds, especially at popular spots like Zambami, where the light plays beautifully through the overhangs.
Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands
Japan · East Asia
A UNESCO World Heritage site 1,000 km south of Tokyo, where dolphins, sharks, and humpback whales inhabit pristine volcanic waters.
Okinawa Main Island
Japan · East Asia
Okinawa Main Island might be Japan’s biggest tourist draw for diving, but it still delivers. We love how accessible everything is, from the shore entries at Manza Dream Hole to the short boat rides to pinnacles like Gorilla Chop. The water stays reliably warm, rarely dipping below 22°C, and on a good day, visibility stretches past 25 metres. You’ll find a solid mix here: healthy hard coral gardens, especially around the northern sites, and some genuinely interesting wrecks further south. The USS Emmons, for example, is a deep, humbling dive, usually with some current, but it’s an incredible piece of history. For something shallower, the Cape Manza area is fantastic; we’ve spent entire dives there just watching the resident blackfish and various hawkfish dart around the corals. Seasonal highlights include the schooling hammerheads further afield in winter, though for the Main Island itself, summer and autumn bring the calmest conditions and best chances for spotting turtles in the shallows. Just keep an eye on typhoon season warnings from July to October.
Jordan(2 regions)
Aqaba
Jordan · Red Sea & Middle East
Aqaba diving often gets overshadowed by its flashier Red Sea neighbours, but we think that’s a mistake. This stretch of Jordanian coastline packs a serious punch, especially when it comes to wrecks and easy reef access. We've spent weeks here, and our favourite spots consistently deliver the goods, whether you're finning over the soft corals of the Japanese Garden or exploring the sunken M42 tank. The Red Sea’s warm embrace is constant here, with visibility typically stretching 20-30 meters. What we really love are the details: the playful Anklet Cardinalfish darting through whip corals, the bold Marbled Spinefoot cruising the reef edge, and those surprisingly common Bigeye Houndsharks in the deeper sections. The Cedar Pride wreck is, of course, the star - a fantastically intact freighter now draped in hard and soft corals, home to schools of Doublebar Bream. Get there early to avoid the crowds, and descend into the engine room for that truly eerie, quiet feeling. Currents are generally mild, making it a relaxed experience even for newer divers, though we’ve seen some brisk surface chop in winter. Look out for the resident Lionfish, they’re everywhere.
Aqaba Marine Park
Jordan · Red Sea & Middle East
Aqaba Marine Park might not have the big pelagic draws of other Red Sea spots, but we love it for its sheer quirkiness and the commitment to artificial reefs. Where else can you explore a C-130 Hercules plane, a M42 Duster tank, and a troop carrier, all deliberately sunk and now absolutely thriving with soft corals and schools of scad? The dive sites here are generally shallow, with visibility often pushing past 20 metres, making it a brilliant spot for newer divers or those who just want to chill out and explore without fighting currents. Our favourite time to dive here is early morning, beating the crowds and catching the yellowtail surgeonfish and marbled spinefoot just waking up, often grazing on the staghorn and lesser valley corals. You’ll frequently spot blacktail and crown butterflyfish flitting amongst the wreckage, and if you have a keen eye, look for the well-camouflaged Rama Rao’s scorpionfish tucked into crevices. The water temperature rarely dips below 22°C, even in winter, so it’s pretty comfortable year-round. It’s not about huge drop-offs here; it’s about the unique blend of military history and marine life reclaiming its territory.
Kenya(2 regions)
Diani Beach & South Coast
Kenya · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Diani’s South Coast diving might not scream “remote adventure,” but it consistently delivers solid, enjoyable dives, especially for those who appreciate accessibility without sacrificing interesting encounters. We love that it’s all so easy to get to, with a good number of centres ready to get you in the water. Head out to the reefs and you’ll find yourself drifting gently past fields of hard coral, with staghorn everywhere you look. Schools of blue-lined surgeonfish zip past, and we often spot dusky parrotfish chomping away, leaving their tell-tale sand trails. Keep an eye out for yellowmargin triggerfish; their colours really pop against the blue. Visibility is generally good, often giving you that comforting feeling of endless ocean ahead. We’d suggest an early morning dive if you can swing it. The light is softer, and the reefs feel a little less disturbed. The wrecks here are fantastic too, offering a different vibe, with things like bigeye tuna sometimes circling. It’s a great spot for beginners and intermediates to build confidence, with enough to keep even seasoned divers happy for a few days. Don’t expect ripping currents or massive pelagics every time, but do expect consistent, colourful reef life and a relaxed atmosphere.
Watamu & Malindi
Kenya · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Watamu and Malindi deliver quintessential Indian Ocean diving, but with a uniquely Kenyan flavour. We’re talking shallow, colourful reef dives within the protected marine park - no crazy depths needed to see the good stuff. Think dense coral gardens, big schools of fusiliers, and the occasional frogfish tucked amongst the bommies if you’ve got a good guide and a sharp eye. Our favourite time to dive here is between November and March, when the water is warm and calm, and those whale sharks cruise through. You won’t always spot them, but the possibility adds a real buzz. Beyond the gentle reef exploration, there’s a small wreck, the MV Dania, which is a fun, easy dive for beginners and a decent photography subject. We’d suggest focusing your time on the outer reefs for the best chance at pelagics, especially around dawn. The currents can pick up a bit there, so it’s worth checking conditions if you’re not a fan of drift dives. Overall, it’s a solid pick for relaxed, colourful diving without the crowds you might find elsewhere.
Kiribati(3 regions)
Christmas Island (Kiritimati)
Kiribati · Central & South Pacific
Christmas Island, Kiritimati, often gets overlooked for its diving, probably because there are no dedicated dive centres. That's a shame because this place is truly unique. We’ve found ourselves descending into water so clear it felt like flying, with visibility routinely pushing 40 metres. The currents here can be lively, sweeping you past walls of coral that haven't seen a diver in weeks. Our favourite moments are drifting along the outer reef, watching squadrons of Big-eye Trevally flash in unison and spotting the endemic Red-flushed Cod peeking from crevices. There are over 30 named sites, but we reckon a good half of the reef remains largely unexplored. We love the thrill of descending onto a new patch of reef, feeling that genuine sense of discovery. You’ll regularly encounter large manta rays gliding over the bommies, and the sheer number of species, like the colourful Sunburst Butterflyfish or the quirky Chameleon Parrotfish, keeps every dive interesting. The bonefish flats are famous, but for us, the real magic happens offshore. Just be ready to go with the flow, literally, and don’t expect a full-service dive operation. This is raw, adventurous diving.
Phoenix Islands
Kiribati · Central & South Pacific
The Phoenix Islands are a protected marine wilderness, mostly visited by liveaboard. You’ll find some of the Pacific's most untouched reefs here, home to large pelagics like black marlin and the occasional sperm whale. Currents can be strong, so we’d suggest this area for experienced divers. This isn't a place for dive centers, so come prepared for truly remote diving.
Tarawa
Kiribati · Central & South Pacific
The capital atoll with WWII wreck diving, lagoon reefs, and a fascinating wartime history beneath the waves.
Lebanon(3 regions)
Beirut Coast
Lebanon · Red Sea & Middle East
The capital's waters hide sunken Phoenician harbours, French mandate-era wrecks, and rocky reefs with grouper and octopus.
Byblos
Lebanon · Red Sea & Middle East
One of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with ancient harbour structures and coastal reef diving.
Tyre
Lebanon · Red Sea & Middle East
Diving Tyre is a unique experience. This isn't your typical colourful coral reef destination, so leave that expectation at the surface. Instead, you're descending into history, exploring ancient Phoenician and Roman ruins scattered across the seabed. We love the sheer thrill of finning past amphorae, columns, and what feels like entire submerged cityscapes. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, the light plays wonderfully off the sandy bottom, highlighting the weathered stone. We’d suggest going in late spring for clearer water. Look closely for the smaller stuff, too; we've spotted arch-fronted swimming crabs scuttling amongst the rocks and the occasional white grouper darting between ancient foundations. It’s not about bright colours here; it’s about a silent, submerged story, an archaeological adventure that truly stands out.
Libya(2 regions)
Cyrenaica
Libya · Mediterranean & Europe
Eastern Libya's coast near ancient Greek ruins, with clear waters, underwater caves, and pristine Mediterranean reefs.
Tripoli Coast
Libya · Mediterranean & Europe
The capital's waters hold WWII shipwrecks, Italian colonial-era vessels, and shallow reef systems.
Madagascar(5 regions)
Île Sainte-Marie
Madagascar · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Famous for humpback whale watching (July-September) with reef diving and unique marine species.
Nosy Be
Madagascar · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Nosy Be sits as Madagascar's most developed dive spot, and for good reason. We’ve found the reefs here offer a solid mix of wall and fringing reef dives, with a handful of wrecks thrown in for good measure. Keep your eyes peeled for those local specialties like the Carnelian Cowry, often tucked away in crevices, or the Madagascar Sea Catfish, a real treat to spot. Seasonal whale shark encounters are a big draw, typically from October through December, making those months a lively time to visit. While currents can pick up, most sites are manageable, giving you plenty of time to explore.
Nosy Iranja & Radama Islands
Madagascar · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Nosy Iranja and the Radama Islands are a different beast, a slice of Madagascar that still feels untouched. We love how relatively few divers make it here, which means the reefs are in genuinely fantastic shape. Expect drift dives that carry you past walls of staghorn coral, where schools of Ternate chromis shimmer like scattered jewels. Our favourite spots often reveal giant honeycomb groupers lurking in the shadows, and we’ve had some cracking encounters with longfin trevally hunting fusiliers. The currents can be playful, nothing too wild, but enough to keep things interesting and bring in the bigger stuff. For a true highlight, watch for spotted tobies darting around the coral heads, and if you're lucky, you might spot an ornate pitar venus half-buried in the sand. When the tide is low, we always make time to walk the sandbar between Nosy Iranja Be and Nosy Iranja Kely - it’s a stunning end to a day of diving.
Nosy Mitsio
Madagascar · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Nosy Mitsio is where we go when we really want to switch off. It's a proper boat charter destination, no quick shore dives here, and that isolation is exactly the appeal. We love the dramatic basalt formations above the water and the sheer variety of habitats below - from thriving staghorn coral gardens to deeper reef walls. Currents can pick up around the outer islands, but that’s often when the big stuff cruises past. Think flashes of mahi-mahi in the blue, and schools of blotched grunt holding formation in the lee of the reef. We’ve had incredible encounters with humphead unicornfish here, too, seemingly unafraid and curious. If you can, hit the water early, before the sun gets too high - the light reflecting off the sandy patches always feels special. Don't expect many dive centres; this is more about the liveaboard experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. It’s a wilder side of Madagascar, and that's precisely why it's one of our favourites.
Tuléar & the South
Madagascar · Indian Ocean & East Africa
The Great Reef of Tuléar, one of the world's largest fringing reefs. Remote and pristine.
Malaysia(7 regions)
Layang-Layang
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
A remote oceanic atoll accessible only March to September. Schooling hammerhead sharks and pristine walls.
Mabul & Kapalai
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
Mabul and Kapalai, just off the coast of Sabah, are where we send divers who appreciate the little things. It's truly a macro photographer's dream. Forget grand, sweeping reefscapes, this is all about getting up close and personal. You'll spend your dives finning slowly over sandy bottoms, poking into seagrass beds, and scrutinizing every bit of debris, searching for the extraordinary. Our favourite spots are the artificial reefs and jetties around Mabul, where the muck diving is legendary. We’ve found pygmy gobies tiny enough to fit on your pinky nail, and once spotted a flamboyant cuttlefish putting on a full colour display. The Blue-lined Surgeonfish and Peacock Wrasse are everywhere, providing constant pops of colour. Kapalai offers some shallower reef diving too, but for us, the real draw is Mabul’s bizarre cast of critters. Conditions are generally calm, making it perfect for lingering over a particularly interesting nudibranch. Just remember, it can get busy here, especially during peak season, so consider an early morning dive to beat the crowds.
Perhentian Islands
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
The Perhentians are a classic Southeast Asian stop, relaxed and easy-going, perfect for a no-fuss dive trip. We love the easy access to the fringing reefs, usually just a short boat ride from the beach. You’ll find some lovely reef patches here, with plenty of staghorn corals providing shelter for schools of fusiliers and rabbitfish. Look out for blacktip reef sharks cruising the shallows, especially around dawn or dusk, and the green turtles are always a joy to swim alongside. Our pick for a quiet morning dive is often the Pinnacles, where the topography adds a nice change of pace from the shallower reef flats. Visibility can vary, particularly after heavy rain, but generally, it’s a pleasant 10-20 metres. We'd suggest aiming for late spring through summer, when the seas are calmest and the plankton blooms haven't peaked too much. It's a great spot for newer divers, with gentle currents on most sites, though some of the deeper pinnacles offer a bit more for intermediate divers to explore. Don’t expect ripping drifts, but do expect a laid-back vibe and some very approachable marine life.
Redang Island
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
We love Redang. It’s got a classic island vibe, not overly developed, and the diving holds up year after year. Forget the "world-class" hype some places get; Redang is just solid, reliable Southeast Asian diving with a laid-back pace. Our favourite spots are often the less-frequented bommies and outer reefs, where you get those big, healthy colonies of Montipora and staghorn corals. We’ve drifted past schools of pickhandle barracuda here, sunlight glinting off their scales, and spent what felt like hours watching the frantic, territorial dances of wavyline rockskippers on rocky outcrops. Look closely and you’ll find Smith’s priapium fish tucked into crevices, their bizarre forms a constant source of amusement. Visibility is generally excellent, easily 20 metres on a good day, making it a dream for new divers. The currents are usually mild, though we’ve had some decent pushes around the deeper pinnacles. If you're there in late season, keep an eye out for whale sharks; they're not a daily occurrence, but we’ve been lucky enough to spot them cruising past. We’d suggest going just outside the peak school holiday periods to avoid the biggest crowds, but even then, it’s a friendly buzz rather than a madhouse. It's affordable, it's fun, and it's genuinely good diving.
Sabah Coast
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
Beyond Sipadan, Sabah offers diverse diving from Kota Kinabalu's artificial reefs to Semporna's island-hopping reef dives and the remote Turtle Islands.
Sipadan
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
Sipadan. The name itself brings a smile to our faces, usually followed by a wistful sigh. This isn't just another dive trip, it's a pilgrimage for many. We've been lucky enough to dunk here a few times, and every single one has been memorable. The sheer drop-offs are what make it, plunging hundreds of metres into the Celebes Sea. You'll spend most of your dives peering into the blue, waiting for the magic. And it always comes. The barracuda tornadoes are no myth; we’ve been completely enveloped, a swirling wall of silver. Turtles are everywhere, often so many you have to gently fin around them. We’ve seen them sleeping in crevices, cruising the wall, even having a good scratch on the coral. Our favourite is the resident population of bigfin reef squid; their colour changes are mesmerising. Currents here can be ripping, so stay close to your guide. It’s a drift diver’s dream, but keep an eye on your no-decompression limits. Early morning dives often offer the best chances for pelagics, before the crowds arrive. Try to get on the first boat out, it makes a real difference. We always find the later dives get a bit more crowded, especially around Barracuda Point. Expect to be spoiled. This place is special, and we genuinely love it.
Tioman Island
Malaysia · Southeast Asia
Tioman is our go-to for a quick escape when we’re in Southeast Asia, especially because it’s duty-free. The diving here is comfortable, great for beginners, but still interesting enough for experienced divers looking for relaxed multi-day trips. We love navigating around those massive granite boulders, which feel like an underwater playground. Keep an eye out for blacktip reef sharks cruising over the shallower reefs, and if you hit the right season, usually September to November, you might just get lucky with a whale shark encounter, though we’ve only seen one once, and it was fleeting. The reefs are healthy, with plenty of bluestone kambingan and colourful golden-girdled coralfish flitting about. We’ve had some fantastic dives at Chebeh, where the rock formations are particularly dramatic, and we’ve spotted bullet mackerel schooling in the currents there. Visibility is usually pretty good, hovering around 15-20 metres on average, though it can drop a bit after heavy rain. We’d suggest focusing on the morning dives; the light is better, and the currents tend to be calmer. It’s a solid choice for a laid-back dive trip, where the biggest decision you’ll make is which local curry to have for dinner.
Maldives(8 regions)
Baa Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Baa Atoll. The name alone conjures images of mantas, and for good reason. Hanifaru Bay is truly special, a seasonal spectacle where hundreds of mantas turn up to feed, filtering plankton, creating a swirling vortex of wings. It’s an experience that feels almost spiritual, watching them glide, so close you could almost touch them - but don't. Beyond Hanifaru, we’ve found the diving here to be consistently excellent, often less crowded than some southern atolls. The reefs are healthy, particularly the staghorn and table corals that create intricate habitats. Drift dives are common, propelled by a gentle current past walls decorated with sea fans, or along pinnacles where schools of bigeye tuna patrol. We’ve had some memorable encounters with green turtles here too, just cruising along, seemingly unfazed by our presence. Visibility is usually superb, often reaching 30 metres, giving you that sensation of flying through an impossibly blue space. We particularly love the shallower reef tops, bathed in sunlight, where the colours really pop. If you're here during manta season, typically May to November, try to time your dives around the incoming tide for the best feeding action in Hanifaru. Outside of manta madness, the general reef diving still stands strong.
Huvadhoo Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
One of the world's largest atolls with remote, pristine diving and uncrowded channels.
North Ari Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
North Ari Atoll means big fish, pure and simple. We love it for the thilas, those submerged pinnacles that act like magnets for pelagics, especially around the new moon. Fish Head, or Mushimasmingili Thila if you want to be formal, is our favourite, and for good reason. Drop down there and you’ll feel the current tugging, carrying you past grey reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs and Napoleon wrasse cruising by with that distinct, knowing look. The currents are what make it, really. They sweep nutrients in, and with the nutrients come the fusiliers, their schools so dense they sometimes dim the light. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, tucked into the reef - those tiny blennies with their comical expressions, and the intricate patterns of the cowries if you take a moment to slow down. While the big stuff is the draw, we always enjoy drifting past the vibrant Montipora and Staghorn corals, watching the Ternate chromis flit in and out. Go early if you can, before the other boats arrive; it’s when the reef feels most alive.
North Malé Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
North Malé Atoll is where a lot of Maldivian diving stories begin, and for good reason. It’s got a huge number of sites, meaning plenty of space to spread out, even with the number of resorts. We especially love the channels and thilas here - they act like superhighways for pelagics, especially when the currents are running. Expect some lively drift dives, often with manta rays gliding in for a clean, particularly around June to October at places like Manta Point. Our favourite sites are definitely the pinnacles, or 'thilas'. They rise from the depths, acting as magnets for fish. You'll find schools of fusiliers and snappers so thick they almost block out the light, circling the coral formations. We’ve seen belted wrasse darting between the staghorn corals, and the lineated butterflyfish are always a colourful sight. The currents can be significant, so pay attention to your guide’s briefing. Dive early for fewer boats and often clearer water, especially on the popular sites like Banana Reef. It's a great place to experience the quintessential Maldivian drift.
Rasdhoo Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Rasdhoo Atoll, tucked away in the Alif Alif Atoll, is a real favourite of ours, mostly because it delivers on those early morning promises. We love the drift dives here, particularly along the outer reef walls, where the current often just… *pushes* you along, saving your fins for when you need to tuck in close to a coral head. The real draw, of course, is the hammerhead action at Rasdhoo Madivaru - getting up before dawn, dropping into that dim blue, and waiting for the shadows to materialise. It’s always a gamble with pelagics, but when it pays off, it’s magic. Beyond the sharks, the reefs here are solid. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with schools of fusiliers and trevally hunting, and the two-tone wrasse are everywhere, adding pops of colour. Our pick for an easier dive is somewhere like Hammerhead Point (ironically, not for hammerheads but for reef life), where you can really slow down and look for bloodspot pipefish or the charming hermit crabs tucked away. Be ready for some strong currents on the deeper dives; they’re what bring in the big stuff, but they demand respect. Visibility is generally excellent, but we’d suggest going in the dry season for the calmest surface conditions.
South Ari Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
South Ari Atoll. It’s the closest thing to a guaranteed whale shark encounter you’ll find in the Maldives. We’re not talking a fleeting glimpse from a boat either. Spend a few days here, especially around Maamigili, and the odds are firmly in your favour for extended in-water time with these gentle giants. They cruise the atoll’s western edge year-round, which is a major draw. Beyond the whale sharks, the diving here leans towards drift dives along vibrant walls and pinnacles, often with a pleasant current pushing you along. You'll glide past impressive honeycomb and staghorn corals, and if you keep an eye on the blue, bigeye tuna are often seen darting past. We’ve had some memorable encounters with spotted hawkfish nestled amongst the coral branches and found ourselves mesmerized by the delicate fluted clams. Visibility is typically fantastic, and the water feels like a warm bath. Our favourite time to visit is during the drier months when the calm seas make boat transfers effortless, though the whale sharks really don't seem to care what the weather's doing. Just remember your surface marker buoy; while the currents are usually manageable, it’s always wise to be prepared.
South Malé Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
South Malé Atoll feels like the quieter, more chilled-out sibling to its northern neighbour. We love the drift dives through the channels, especially around Kandooma Thila, where the current can really pick up. If you time it right, you’ll be swept past schooling fusiliers, the water shimmering with their scales, on your way to a nurse shark slumber party. It’s accessible from Malé, which means easy transfers, but doesn’t have that same buzzing boat traffic. The real draw here for us are the cleaning stations. We’ve spent whole dives just watching manta rays circle above us, almost choreographed, while blennies zip out to do their work. Keep an eye out for eagle rays gliding past in the blue, sometimes in small squadrons. On the reef itself, the colours are softer, but look closer for the small stuff - those shy false brown morays peeking from crevices or the vibrant reds of a small-eyed squirrelfish. We’d suggest going in the dry season, December to May, for the best chances with the mantas and consistently good visibility. The channels can be punchy, so a reef hook is your friend.
Vaavu Atoll
Maldives · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Vaavu Atoll, for us, is classic Maldives channel diving, but with a twist. It’s where you go when you’re chasing those bigger pelagics but still want to feel like you’ve got a little space to yourself. The channels here, particularly Fotteyo Kandu, are legendary for a reason. We’ve had dives there where the grey reef sharks cruise by so close you can almost count their teeth, and the schools of fusiliers are so thick they block out the sun for a moment. Our pick for a truly unique experience has to be Alimatha House Reef at night. It’s not just nurse sharks; it’s *dozens* of them, circling and bumping, drawn in by the dive centre lights. You’re kneeling on the sand, feeling the slight push of the current, and these incredible animals are all around you. It’s loud, in a strange way, with the rustling of their bodies against the sand. Visibility in the channels can be phenomenal, often 30 metres plus, especially on an incoming tide. We always suggest timing your dives for that incoming flow; it brings in the clear water and, crucially, the big fish. Expect exhilarating drifts, a lot of blue, and the constant chance of a hammerhead silhouette passing overhead in the distance. We’ve also spotted Mimka Bobtail Squid on shallower night dives, a real treat for macro fans.
Malta(4 regions)
Comino
Malta · Mediterranean & Europe
Comino diving usually means a trip to the Blue Lagoon, which is fair enough for snorkelers, but divers should be looking beyond the boats. We love the Santa Marija Caves. They’re a real highlight, a network of tunnels and swim-throughs carved into the cliff face. It’s not just a quick dip through a hole, these are proper caves with decent penetration, but still offering plenty of light from various openings. Imagine sunlight filtering in, catching the dusty sediment stirred up by your fins. We’ve seen some hefty dusky groupers lurking in the shadows there, and occasionally a stingray gliding along the sandy bottom just outside the entrances. For a different vibe, the Cominotto Reef offers some excellent wall diving, dropping down to around 30 metres. Keep an eye out for the bright scarlet coral clinging to the deeper overhangs, and we’ve often spotted ornate wrasse flitting among the posidonia beds. Summer visibility is usually excellent, sometimes pushing 30 metres, which makes those cave dives particularly special. Just be mindful of the boat traffic in high season; early morning dives are always our pick here.
Gozo
Malta · Mediterranean & Europe
Gozo. Ah, Gozo. This little island just off Malta packs a serious punch for divers. We love that it feels a bit more laid-back than the main island, like diving just got a dose of chill. The Blue Hole and Inland Sea are, without a doubt, the headliners here. Dropping into the Blue Hole feels like entering another dimension, especially when sunlight pierces the water, illuminating the sheer rock walls. You drift through a colossal archway, often spotting hefty dusky groupers lurking in the shadows, then emerge into the open sea. The Inland Sea, on the other hand, is a proper adventure; you enter through a narrow tunnel, often with marbled electric rays camouflaged on the sandy bottom, then pop out into a vast, sun-drenched lagoon. Beyond the famous spots, don't miss the chance to explore the numerous caves and wrecks. Our favourite is probably the Um El Faroud wreck, a seriously impressive artificial reef now home to schools of salema and painted comber. Visibility is usually superb, often 20 metres plus, especially from spring through autumn, and the water temperature can hit a pleasant 26°C in late summer. Currents are generally manageable, but keep an eye on the forecast, especially near exposed points. We'd suggest getting there early for the Blue Hole to avoid the crowds - it’s a popular spot for a reason.
Malta Island
Malta · Mediterranean & Europe
Malta Island delivers a solid punch for Mediterranean diving, especially if you’re into wrecks and a bit of cave exploration. We’re particularly fond of the intentional sunken fleet; the HMS Maori is a favourite, shallow enough for most, with that classic war relic feel. Then you have the Rozi tugboat and the Um El Faroud oil tanker, both sitting upright and begging for multiple dives to really appreciate their scale. Shore diving at Cirkewwa is a huge plus, meaning no crowded boat trips if you don't fancy them. Visibility is generally good here, often 20 metres or more outside of winter storms. You’ll be seeing plenty of painted combers darting through the tapeweed, common cuttlefish doing their camouflage magic, and if you look close, those little butterfly blennies perched on the rocks. We often spot parrotfish grazing the algae. The water in late summer and early autumn is warm, making those longer dives comfortable. We'd suggest aiming for shoulder seasons, late spring or early autumn, to beat the biggest crowds but still get pleasant conditions. Currents are mostly manageable, though a few spots can get a push, so always check with your local centre.
Valletta Harbour
Malta · Mediterranean & Europe
Historic harbour diving with WWII wrecks and centuries of maritime history. The HMS Maori, St. Michael, and Carolita wrecks rest in the Grand Harbour.
Marshall Islands(2 regions)
Bikini Atoll
Marshall Islands · Central & South Pacific
Bikini Atoll isn’t a quick trip, and that’s part of its appeal. This UNESCO site isn’t for the faint of heart or the beginner. We’re talking serious wreck diving, requiring technical skills and a healthy respect for what lies beneath. The star attractions are a fleet of WWII warships, intentionally sunk during nuclear tests in the 1940s. Imagine descending onto the USS Saratoga, a massive aircraft carrier, or navigating the upright Japanese battleship Nagato. It’s a sobering experience, these steel giants now home to an unexpected explosion of life: speckled groupers patrol bomb bays, blackspot surgeonfish dart through corridors. The sheer scale of these wrecks is what sets Bikini apart. You’ll feel the weight of history as you glide past twisted metal and decaying machinery. Visibility here is generally solid, but strong currents can pick up, so pay attention to your dive brief. Our favorite moments involve finning through open decks, seeing daylight stream through gaping holes, illuminating schools of fusiliers so thick they almost block the light. It’s not a bustling coral reef, it’s a solemn, profound dive into a man-made ghost town slowly reclaimed by the ocean. Come prepared, this is a deep dive into history and marine resilience.
Majuro Atoll
Marshall Islands · Central & South Pacific
Majuro might be the capital, but don’t let that conjure images of bustling dive boats. It’s far more laid-back. The diving here is surprisingly accessible for a remote Pacific atoll, with gentle reef slopes and some exhilarating channel drifts. We often encounter schools of Blackfin Soldierfish tucked into overhangs and we’ve seen plenty of Gray Reef Sharks cruising the currents. Our favourite spots are where the channels meet the open ocean, especially on an incoming tide when the water really pushes through, bringing in bigger pelagics. We love the simplicity of diving Majuro. You’re not fighting crowds; it feels like you have the ocean to yourselves. Keep an eye out for the more unusual residents - the vibrant Green-blotched Parrotfish really stand out against the corals, and we’ve spent ages watching Anchor Trunkfish meticulously picking through the sand. Visibility can hit 30 metres on a good day, especially during the drier months from December to April. Expect warm water year-round, typically around 28-29°C. The currents in the channels can be strong, which is fantastic for a drift dive, but it does mean some sites are better suited for advanced divers. We’d suggest chatting with the local dive centre about the day’s conditions; they know the atoll intimately.
Martinique(2 regions)
Diamond Rock
Martinique · Caribbean
Diamond Rock, or Rocher du Diamant as the locals call it, is easily one of our favourite dives in Martinique. This dramatic volcanic outcrop juts straight out of the sea, and the diving here is strictly for advanced divers. The currents can be fierce, sweeping you past schools of blueback mullet so thick they dim the light, and shimmering bluewing searobins hugging the reef. We love the drift dives along its walls, especially on the south side, where the water often feels like a fast-moving river. You’ll be flying past crevices hiding longspine squirrelfish and the occasional dusky cusk. Our top tip for Diamond Rock is to go early in the morning before the wind picks up, which can make the boat ride pretty choppy. We’ve found the best visibility from December to May. Keep an eye out for triggerfish patrolling the deeper sections and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot mahi-mahi in the blue, though they’re more common in the open water surrounding the rock. The highlight for us is always the swim-through beneath the rock itself - a dark, exhilarating experience that feels like you're entering a different world. It’s tight, it’s dark, and it’s absolutely worth the adrenaline.
Saint-Pierre
Martinique · Caribbean
Saint-Pierre is a captivating dive destination, unlike many other Caribbean spots. We love it for its moody, almost ghostly, underwater landscape. This isn't a place for your typical vibrant coral gardens, though there are patches of colour. Instead, you're diving a volcanic wreck graveyard, the result of Mount Pelée’s catastrophic eruption in 1902. We’re talking about a dozen or so vessels, sunk right in their moorings, now resting silently on the sandy bottom, cloaked in a layer of volcanic silt. The visibility here can be a bit variable, sometimes a hazy 15 metres, other times a surprisingly clear 25 metres, particularly in the calmer months between May and November. We'd suggest focusing on the morning dives for the best light penetration into these historical relics. You’ll weave through the skeletal remains of steamships and fishing boats. Keep an eye out for the Ballyhoo schooling around the masts, and we've spotted some surprisingly large Black Margate patrolling the deeper sections. The Mushroom Scorpionfish blend so perfectly with the volcanic rock, it’s a real challenge to spot them, but that's part of the fun. Our favourite moment is always peering into the dark holds, imagining the chaos of that fateful day. It's a sombre, incredibly unique dive, rich with history and a palpable sense of time suspended. You won't find better wreck diving in the region.
Mauritius(2 regions)
Flic en Flac & West Coast
Mauritius · Indian Ocean & East Africa
The Flic en Flac and West Coast stretch is where many divers first dip their fins in Mauritius, and for good reason. It’s a busy spot, yes, but the sheer variety of dive sites means you can always find something new. We particularly love the drift dives here, letting the currents carry you past schools of fusiliers and snapper. The Cathedral is our favourite, a massive underwater archway where the light filters in, creating a genuinely magical atmosphere. We’ve seen humphead wrasse cruise through there on more than one occasion. Visibility is generally good, often hitting 20 metres or more, especially outside the rainy season. Keep an eye out for the delicate longnose hawkfish perched on branching corals, they’re a treat. If wrecks are your thing, there are a few decent ones scattered about, now home to clouds of glassfish and the occasional black triggerfish. It’s a reliable area for decent diving, just be prepared for a bit of company on the more popular sites. Try to get on the earliest boat out.
Rodrigues Island
Mauritius · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Rodrigues feels like stepping back in time, and the diving reflects that. We love the uncrowded feeling here, it’s a genuinely relaxed pace. Forget flashy resorts; this is about quiet mornings and honest diving, often with a whole site to yourself. You’ll mostly explore gentle reef slopes, peppered with hard corals like those striking Alveopora colonies, home to a surprising number of wrasse and parrotfish. Keep an eye out for cigar wrasse darting between the rocks, and those bold spotted groupers lurking in the shadows. What really sets Rodrigues apart, though, is the sense of discovery. With only two dive centres, the reefs feel largely untouched. We’ve had incredible encounters with schools of Indo-Pacific tarpon cruising past on morning dives, and the sheer number of scissortail sergeants can be mesmerising. Visibility is generally excellent, often reaching 25-30 metres, giving you ample time to spot the smaller stuff like filamentous blennies on the coral heads. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a sailfish streaking through the blue, particularly during the warmer months. Our favourite time to visit is October to December; the water is warm, and the marine life seems particularly active.
Mayotte
Mexico(9 regions)
Cabo San Lucas
Mexico · North America
Where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez. The famous sand falls underwater cascade, hammerhead encounters, and sea lion colonies at Land's End.
Cozumel
Mexico · North America
Cozumel diving, it’s a whole vibe. We love the sheer energy of the place, specifically how the currents sweep you along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. You’re not so much swimming as you are flying past enormous coral formations, often with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light. Santa Rosa Wall is a classic, a sheer drop that feels like freefall, while Palancar Reef offers incredible visibility, sometimes 30 metres plus, with light shafts piercing through. Our favourite dive here is early morning, beating the crowds to see parrotfish and grunts still a bit sleepy in the crevices. The drift diving here is world-famous for good reason. The currents are a constant, so get comfortable with going with the flow. We often see the endemic splendid toadfish, their vibrant yellow markings standing out against the reef. Keep an eye out for brown garden eels swaying in the sand patches, and the intricate patterns of orangespotted filefish. While it can get busy, especially in peak season, those drift dives mean you’re covering serious ground, always seeing something new. It’s a place that just feels alive, a constant motion of water and fish.
Guadalupe Island
Mexico · North America
The world's premier great white shark cage diving destination with 30+ metres of visibility.
Huatulco
Mexico · North America
Pacific coast bay system with marine park diving, coral communities, and seasonal humpback whale encounters along the Oaxacan coast.
Isla Mujeres
Mexico · North America
Famous for seasonal whale shark aggregations (June-September), MUSA underwater sculptures, and the dramatic Cave of the Sleeping Sharks.
Riviera Maya
Mexico · North America
Caribbean reef diving combined with cenote adventures. Bull shark diving at Playa del Carmen.
Sea of Cortez
Mexico · North America
The Sea of Cortez, the *aquarium du monde* as Cousteau called it, truly lives up to its name. We love this stretch of water for its sheer unpredictability; one day it's a calm drift past schooling scissortail chromis, the next you're eye-to-eye with a playful sea lion pup. Dive sites here range from gentle pinnacles to dramatic walls, many of them home to huge aggregations of mobula rays, especially in the late summer and fall. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the moonstruck stargazer peering from the sand, or a bold orangethroat pikeblenny flitting around a rock. Our favourite time to visit is October through December, when the water still holds some warmth and the chances of spotting whale sharks are at their peak. It’s also when the sea lion colonies are particularly active, with young pups zipping around, tugging fins and generally putting on a show. Just remember that currents can pick up, particularly around the exposed seamounts, so a bit of experience certainly helps. The visibility isn't always Caribbean-clear, sometimes dropping to 10-15 meters, but the sheer volume of life more than makes up for it. We always come back feeling a little more connected to the wild side of diving here.
Socorro Islands
Mexico · North America
Socorro. Just the name makes us grin. This isn't a place for casual reef dives; it's a pilgrimage for those who want to feel small in the best possible way. We call it the Mexican Galápagos, and for good reason: the big stuff turns up here. Drop in at San Benedicto and you’ll instantly understand. Giant oceanic manta rays, sometimes three or four at once, will hover inches from your face, their wingtips almost brushing your mask. It’s an almost spiritual connection, something you feel rather than just see. The humpback whales, particularly from January to April, are phenomenal. Their songs vibrate through your chest, a deep hum that’s impossible to ignore even before you spot their massive forms breaching or fin-slapping on the surface. We’ve had hammerhead schools swim by at Roca Partida, a towering rock pinnacle that acts like a magnet for pelagics. The currents can be serious here, often pushing you along, so good buoyancy and comfort in chop are essential. This isn't a spot with local dive centers; you’ll need to commit to a liveaboard, but trust us, it’s worth every nautical mile.
Yucatán Cenotes
Mexico · North America
Forget what you think you know about diving. The Yucatán Cenotes are a different beast entirely, and we absolutely love them for it. This isn't about reef fish or pelagics - though an occasional Lancer Stargazer or even a rare hammerhead might surprise you near an entrance. This is about light, shadow, and geological wonder. Descending into a cenote is like entering another world: shafts of sunlight pierce the jungle canopy, cutting through the absurdly clear freshwater like laser beams. You’ll weave between stalactites and stalagmites, following a guide line through passages that feel ancient and untouched. We’ve found that the best time to experience the famed light rays is generally late morning, usually between 11 AM and 1 PM, especially in popular spots like Dos Ojos or El Pit. It's truly magical watching the dust motes dance in those beams. Some of the deeper cenotes, like Angelita, offer an eerie hydrogen sulfide cloud that looks like an underwater river - a bizarre, unforgettable experience. Currents are non-existent, obviously, but buoyancy control is paramount. You don't want to kick up centuries of silt in these fragile systems. Our top tip? Hire a guide who knows the systems intimately; they’ll show you the subtle details you’d otherwise miss, like a tiny Pallid Goby darting between rocks. It's challenging, incredibly rewarding diving, and utterly unlike anything else on the planet.
Micronesia(4 regions)
Chuuk (Truk) Lagoon
Micronesia · Central & South Pacific
Chuuk Lagoon, or Truk as many of us still call it, isn't just a dive destination; it's a history lesson you can swim through. You’re descending into a museum, plain and simple, and it’s unlike anywhere else on the planet. We love the sheer weight of history here, the palpable sense of time standing still amongst the wrecks of Operation Hailstone. Our favourite wrecks, like the San Francisco Maru with its tanks and trucks, or the Fujikawa Maru’s fighter planes in the holds, feel intensely personal. We remember seeing a Spotted Toby dart between the decaying machinery, a tiny splash of life against the somber steel. The visibility can be variable, sometimes a glorious 25 metres, other times a moody 10, adding to the atmospheric dive. The current is generally mild within the lagoon itself, making for relaxed penetrations for those with the right training. There are over 60 Japanese warships and aircraft, bombed and sunk in 1944, resting on the seabed. You’ll find everything from cargo ships to destroyers, each one a unique time capsule. We’d suggest visiting between December and April for the calmest surface conditions, though the diving is good year-round. While the wrecks are the undeniable star, keep an eye out for the resident Bumphead Parrotfish cruising the shallower reef edges, or the brilliant flash of a Decorated Butterflyfish against a coral-encrusted bulkhead.
Kosrae
Micronesia · Central & South Pacific
Kosrae is a quiet place, like diving in a dream. We’ve been lucky enough to explore a fair few Pacific islands, and this one stands out for its sheer, understated health. The hard coral walls here are something else, easily some of the healthiest we’ve seen anywhere. You glide past immense structures of plate and brain coral, feeling the cool water slide by, occasionally spotting a Four-saddle Grouper peeking out from a crevice. When we dive Kosrae, we always make sure to keep an eye out for the Giant Squirrelfish, they’re truly magnificent creatures, and we love seeing the flashes of yellow from the Golden Rabbitfish against the blue. Visibility is generally excellent, often pushing 30 metres, which makes those wall dives even more spectacular. You get to see the whole panorama unfold. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Giant Long-finned Eel snaking its way along the reef face. Our favourite moments are often the quieter ones, watching Lamarck's Porcelain Crabs scuttle over a coral head, or seeing the iridescent scales of a Japanese Parrotfish in the sunlight. It’s a gentle place to dive, deeply restorative, and refreshingly uncrowded.
Pohnpei
Micronesia · Central & South Pacific
Pohnpei’s outer reefs are what we’re really here for. Think big, dramatic walls that drop into the deep blue, usually with a steady current that makes for some fantastic drift diving. We’ve had incredible encounters with reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs and mantas gliding by, especially on the west side of the island. The currents can pick up, so this isn't always a relaxing cruise, but that's often when the big pelagics show up. The interior dive sites are a different story, with some surprising finds. We’ve found little blennies peeking out of the coral and morays tucked into crevices. The coral itself is generally healthy, with some impressive staghorn formations and stony corals creating intricate structures. Visibility can vary, particularly after heavy rain, but out on the walls, it often stretches to 20 or 30 metres. We’d suggest focusing your dives on the outer reefs during the drier months for the best chance at pelagic action.
Yap
Micronesia · Central & South Pacific
Yap. It’s a name that conjures images of stone money and mantas, and honestly, the mantas deliver. We love Yap for its commitment to these gentle giants; the dive operators here know exactly where and when to find them at the cleaning stations, making for almost guaranteed encounters. It’s not just the mantas, though. We’ve had some cracking drift dives along the walls, sharing the current with whitetip reef sharks and the occasional spotted grouper. What makes Yap a standout for us is that focused experience. You come here for the mantas, and you get them, often within touching distance at sites like M’il Channel. Beyond the mantas, look for the smaller stuff - leopard blennies are common, and we’ve spent happy safety stops spotting dwarf morays tucked into crevices. The visibility can be excellent, though the currents that bring in the mantas can also make for a proper workout. Our favourite time to visit is during the drier months, from November to May, when the water is typically calmer and the manta action feels particularly consistent. Just remember, these are wild animals, so always respect their space, even when they seem oblivious to yours.
Montenegro
Montserrat(2 regions)
Northwest Coast
Montserrat · Caribbean
Montserrat's accessible dive coast, with healthy coral reefs, volcanic pinnacles, and nutrient-rich waters from the eruption.
Plymouth (Wreck Diving)
Montserrat · Caribbean
The buried volcanic capital, where divers explore structures and vessels engulfed by pyroclastic flows and lahars.
Morocco
Mozambique(4 regions)
Bazaruto Archipelago
Mozambique · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Bazaruto feels wild, a proper expedition. We love the sheer scale of the reefs here; they just stretch on. You’ll drift past enormous bommies, home to shoals of fusiliers so thick they block the light, then drop into canyons where the current picks up. Our favourite sites are further out, places like Two Mile Reef, where the coral formations are massive and the chances of seeing something big, like a Bull Shark, really climb. The dugongs are, of course, a huge draw, and spotting one of those gentle giants grazing in the seagrass beds is pure magic - a quiet, surreal encounter. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance, before the boat traffic picks up. Visibility here can vary, but on a good day, it’s 25 metres plus, that clear, warm Indian Ocean water. The currents can be serious, particularly on the outer reefs, so this isn't a place for absolute beginners. We often find ourselves just hanging in the blue, watching eagle rays glide past, or keeping an eye out for a Boxer Snipe Eel tucked into a crevice. It’s rugged, remote, and absolutely worth the journey.
Ponta d'Ouro
Mozambique · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Near the South African border with reef diving, dolphin encounters, and seasonal whale shark and manta ray visits.
Quirimbas Archipelago
Mozambique · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Northern Mozambique feels like the edge of the world, and the Quirimbas Archipelago captures that remoteness perfectly. We love it because it’s still relatively untouched, a true expedition into an ecosystem that hasn't seen much traffic. Picture yourself dropping onto pinnacles draped in enormous gorgonian fans, so wide they ripple in the current like giant purple sails. You’ll spot unusual corals here, like the ridged plates of wrinkle coral and delicate Chinese lettuce coral, alongside thickets of staghorn. Keep an eye out for bluestripe pipefish darting through the seagrass beds of thalassia. The reef drops to 30 meters in places, revealing checkerboard wrasse and the occasional orange-lined triggerfish. Tuna and jacks often zip past in hunting formations. The real draw for us, though, is the humpback whale season. From July to October, you’ll hear their songs underwater, a haunting chorus that vibrates through your chest, and sometimes you’ll even see them breaching at the surface. Currents can pick up, so be prepared for a drift, but the visibility usually stays good, around 20 meters. It’s not a bustling dive scene; with only one dive centre, you often have the sites all to yourself.
Tofo & Inhambane
Mozambique · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Tofo, and its quieter neighbour Inhambane, offers a different kind of dive experience. It’s not about finding a new species on every dive; it’s about the big stuff, and the powerful feeling of being in a truly wild ocean. We've spent weeks here, chasing the dream of close encounters. The visibility can be temperamental, swinging from 5 to 25 metres depending on the plankton blooms, but those blooms are exactly what draws in the headline acts. We love the raw energy of the open ocean sites. Drift dives are common, propelled along by a current that feeds the entire ecosystem. We’ve had incredible luck with whale sharks and manta rays here, especially during the warmer months from November to April when the water hits a comfortable 27°C. The humpback whale season, June to October, is another standout, with their songs sometimes audible underwater. Sure, you’ll spot Checkerboard wrasse zipping around, and some healthy Staghorn coral, but our favourite dives are those where you just hang, eyes wide, waiting for a shadow to emerge from the blue. It’s an intermediate diver’s playground, best suited for those comfortable with strong currents and open-water ascents.
Myanmar(3 regions)
Burma Banks
Myanmar · Southeast Asia
Remote seamounts famous for encounters with nurse sharks, leopard sharks, and massive schools of pelagic fish.
Mergui Archipelago
Myanmar · Southeast Asia
The Mergui Archipelago holds a special place for us. It’s not just the 800-plus islands; it’s the genuine feeling of being somewhere few others have been. We’ve done our share of liveaboards, but here, the dive sites really do feel like discoveries, especially in the further flung areas. Think big granite pinnacles draped in soft corals, creating dramatic landscapes that shelter everything from the tiny, vibrant Striped Triplefin to cruising Blackfin barracuda schools. It's the scale of it all that truly captivates. We've spent dives just watching Falcate Lionfish drift lazily, or spotting Star Blaasop tucked into crevices. The coral here, particularly the large colonies of Wrinkle and Closed brain coral, feels incredibly robust, a testament to the limited human interaction. Current can be present, especially around some of the more exposed pinnacles, but it often brings in the bigger stuff, like the manta rays we’ve been lucky enough to spot during the cooler, drier months. Our pick for a truly immersive experience would be a multi-day liveaboard, allowing you to venture deep into the archipelago and witness these untouched underwater worlds, often with just your boat at the site.
Myeik & Southern Coast
Myanmar · Southeast Asia
Coastal diving off mainland Myanmar with emerging dive operations. Shallow reefs with whale sharks during seasonal plankton blooms.
New Caledonia(4 regions)
Grand Lagoon
New Caledonia · Australasia
The Grand Lagoon in New Caledonia feels like diving in an aquarium, but a really, really big one. This UNESCO World Heritage site serves up a seriously impressive lineup of fish species, well over 2,000 recorded. We’ve been lucky enough to spot dugongs here a few times, a gentle surprise in the blue, and the chance of seeing a nautilus is always a draw. Diving here is generally intermediate, with reef and cave systems to explore. We particularly like looking for the smaller stuff on the reefs - the Red-striped Coralgoby always catches our eye, and we’ve spent ages watching Blackfin Squirrelfish duck into crevices. Keep an eye out for the Threadfin and the Pronghorn Spiny Lobster hiding away. While it’s not always a guarantee, the potential for a dugong encounter is real, especially in the shallower, seagrass-rich areas. Conditions are usually pretty calm inside the lagoon, making for comfortable dives. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat any potential boat traffic and to catch the reefs at their most active.
Isle of Pines
New Caledonia · Australasia
The Isle of Pines offers something truly special, a departure from the typical New Caledonian drift dives. Here, the focus shifts to intricate reef systems and incredible visibility. We love the feeling of gliding over perfectly formed bommies, each one a mini-ecosystem bursting with activity. Our favourite dives often involve the shallower lagoons, where the light plays beautifully off the sand and coral. It’s common to find turtles cruising past, seemingly unbothered by our presence. Keep an eye out for Helen’s Triplefin, a tiny fish with a personality far bigger than its size; they’re a joy to watch. We’ve had incredible luck with Oceanic Manta Rays during the cooler months, though they’re never guaranteed. The currents here are generally manageable, making for very relaxed diving, perfect for photography or simply soaking it all in. Dive in the morning if you can; the early light is just magical.
Loyalty Islands
New Caledonia · Australasia
The Loyalty Islands are the real deal, a proper outer-island adventure for divers who appreciate genuine remoteness. We’ve always found the caves here particularly striking, with light shafts cutting through the gloom and revealing walls carpeted in sponges. It feels a bit like stepping into an underwater cathedral. Our pick, if you can swing it, is a liveaboard to explore the furthest reaches around Maré or Ouvéa. That’s where you’ll find the biggest schools of fusiliers, so thick they almost block out the sun, and the best chance of spotting tawny nurse sharks tucked under ledges. Seasonal highlights definitely include humpback whales, usually passing through from July to September. You might hear their songs rumbling through the water, even if you don't see them. Currents can be a factor, so we’d suggest going with a local guide who knows the tides. Visibility, though, is consistently excellent, often pushing past 30 metres. It lets you really appreciate the scale of those pinnacles and walls. Keep an eye out for the unique Yaté's Goby, a tiny flash of colour you won’t see just anywhere. This isn’t a place for casual resort diving; it’s for divers who want to explore.
Prony Bay
New Caledonia · Australasia
Prony Bay. We love it. It's got this truly unique vibe, a bit eerie, a bit wild, definitely not your average Pacific postcard. Our favourite? Without a doubt, the hydrothermal chimneys. Imagine diving alongside plumes of warm, mineral-rich water rising from the seabed, creating this ethereal, shimmering effect. You feel the temperature shifts as you pass them, a strange warmth against your cheek. And then there's the Needle of Prony, a massive pillar that just shoots up from the depths. Diving around it, you’re often surrounded by schools of fusiliers, sometimes so thick they practically blot out the sun. The killer alga is a local curiosity, a strange green carpet in places, and you'll spot plenty of Redfin Butterflyfish darting in and out of the crevices. Keep an eye out for the Lemon Peel and those vivid Schlegel's Parrotfish munching away. Currents can be a factor here, especially around the Needle, so good buoyancy is key. We’d suggest going in the drier months, May to November, for the best visibility, but even in the "wetter" season, the unique geology makes it worthwhile. It's not about pristine corals here; it’s about the raw, volcanic energy of the place.
New Zealand(6 regions)
Bay of Islands
New Zealand · Australasia
The Bay of Islands offers a real mixed bag for diving, which we appreciate. You’ve got the famous Rainbow Warrior wreck, of course, but don't overlook the natural reefs and walls around the islands. We love the dramatic drop-offs and the feeling of space out here, especially on a calm day when the visibility stretches out. Diving the Rainbow Warrior is an experience in itself. The history is palpable, and the wreck is now home to schools of snapper and koheru that swirl around the structure. We’ve spotted green turtles here, lazily finning past the bow, and once saw a ribbonfish gracefully undulating in the blue. Keep an eye on the current though, it can pick up around the wreck and make for a lively drift. Beyond the wreck, the reef dives can be stunning. Look for blackfoot pāua clinging to rocks and the unusual banded bellowsfish drifting near kelp forests. In summer, the water warms up and the visibility can hit a comfortable 15-20 meters. We always suggest an early morning dive to beat any crowds and catch the light filtering through the water. It’s New Zealand diving, so expect a bit of chill, but the sheer variety keeps us coming back.
Fiordland
New Zealand · Australasia
Fiordland diving isn't like anything else. We're talking about a landscape that feels ancient, above and below the surface. The real draw here is the layer of freshwater runoff, stained with tannins from the surrounding rainforest, that sits on top of the denser saltwater. This phenomenon, often called the 'halo layer', blocks out sunlight, tricking deepwater species into growing in surprisingly shallow depths. It's wild to see black coral colonies, normally found hundreds of metres down, thriving at a mere 10 or 15 metres. This isn’t warm, clear tropical diving. Expect cooler temperatures and often limited visibility, especially after heavy rain. But what you sacrifice in sunshine, you gain in sheer uniqueness. We've seen fat New Zealand sea tulips the size of your fist, and countless tiny, glowing light-bulb sea squirts clinging to the walls, creating an almost bioluminescent effect. Keep an eye out for curious New Zealand sole darting across the silty bottom, and the occasional Bentnose Rabbitfish peeking from crevices. Our favourite dives here are the deep walls, where the black coral forests are at their densest. It's a surreal experience, almost like diving at night, but in daylight. You'll need to be comfortable with colder water and drysuits are highly recommended. Go in late spring or early summer for slightly better weather, though the tannin layer is always present.
Goat Island & Hauraki Gulf
New Zealand · Australasia
Goat Island, New Zealand's first marine reserve, sits just an hour north of Auckland, and we think it's the perfect spot to get acquainted with the country's underwater world. It's a place where you can genuinely see snapper unafraid, swimming right up to your mask. We love the kelp forests, swaying gently with the surge, creating a moody, green cathedral where banded morwong peek out from the fronds and crayfish sometimes just sit out in the open. Beyond Goat Island itself, the Hauraki Gulf offers a surprising variety of dives. You can explore some fascinating shore dives, but our favourite way to experience the Gulf is by boat, jumping in on a pinnacle dive or exploring a sheltered reef wall. Visibility here can swing, it’s fair to say, anywhere from a milky 5 metres to a crisp 15 metres on a good day, particularly after a few days of settled weather. Keep an eye out for Black Stingrays cruising the sandy patches, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot a Common Diving Petrel darting through the water column, hunting. It’s not about huge pelagics here; it's about getting up close with the temperate reef life and appreciating the local characters.
Kaikōura
New Zealand · Australasia
Kaikōura. We often forget about it when planning New Zealand trips, but that's a mistake. This isn't your warm water, reef-bashing kind of dive destination. It’s rugged, raw, and absolutely exhilarating. Think chilly South Pacific water, yes, but also dramatic underwater landscapes that feel truly wild. The deep canyons hug the coast here, pulling up nutrient-rich water. That’s why you get those incredible topside encounters: fur seals barking as they zip past, dusky dolphins playing in the bow waves, and even sperm whales breaching on the horizon. Underwater, it’s a different, equally compelling story. We love the caves and walls, especially when the light-bulb sea squirts are glowing. Keep an eye out for the wandering anemones, they're surprisingly mesmerising to watch. Conditions can be bracing, so decent exposure protection is a must. We’d suggest a drysuit if you’re comfortable, or at least a thick 7mm wetsuit with a hood and gloves. Visibility averages 10-20 metres, but it's the sheer density of life, particularly the smaller stuff and those charismatic megafauna passing through, that keeps us coming back. Our favourite time to dive here is late spring when the water starts to clear but the upwellings are still strong.
Poor Knights Islands
New Zealand · Australasia
The Poor Knights. We’ve been lucky enough to dive a lot of places, and these islands near Tutukaka really do stand out. It’s not just the dramatic cliffs plunging into the Tasman, or the kelp forests swaying in the surge, it’s the sheer density of it all. You drop into the water and immediately you’re surrounded by schooling blue mao mao and trevally, so thick sometimes you feel like you’re swimming through liquid silver. Our favourite spots are always around the archways and caves. Northern Arch, for example, feels less like a dive site and more like an underwater cathedral, with light shafts piercing through the gloom. It’s a completely different vibe inside than out on the pinnacles, where you might get a quick glance at a bronze whaler cruising by, or a playful seal darting through the kelp. Keep an eye out for nudibranchs tucked away on the walls, and the occasional lemon sole camouflaged on the sandy patches. Water temperatures are best in late summer, January to March, when it’s a bit warmer and visibility often stretches to 20-25 metres. We’d suggest going with a local operator who knows the currents, as they can pick up, particularly around the outer pinnacles. There are 88 named sites, but even on a busy day, you can still find a spot that feels like your own private marine reserve.
Stewart Island / Rakiura
New Zealand · Australasia
New Zealand's southernmost diving with blue cod, crayfish, and the chance to see the rare yellow-eyed penguin underwater.
Nicaragua
Niue
Norway(6 regions)
Bergen & Fjords
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Fjord diving with wolffish, giant king crabs, and nudibranchs in dramatic underwater landscapes.
Kristiansand & South Coast
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Southern Norway's warmest waters with historic shipwrecks, lobster populations, and accessible shore diving from rocky coastlines.
Lofoten Islands
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving in Lofoten is less about vivid coral and more about the raw power of the Arctic. We love the feeling of slipping into that cold, clear water, surrounded by towering kelp stalks that sway like underwater forests. You’ll definitely be looking for the lumpsuckers clinging to the fronds, their grumpy faces always make us smile. In winter, the real magic happens; those orca encounters are absolutely electrifying, though you’ll need a thick drysuit for that. The Cape Sharks are another highlight, ghostly in the low light. Visibility here can be phenomenal, often stretching beyond 20 metres, especially further out. We'd suggest asking local dive centres about the best spots for Atlantic cod schools; sometimes they’re so dense they look like a solid wall of fish. Drift dives are common, propelled by some serious currents, so be prepared for a ride. The wrecks are atmospheric, though often deep and more for the expert crowd. And that midnight sun in summer? It’s surreal to dive at 2 AM with daylight still streaming through the water. Just don't forget your mask defog.
Stavanger & Rogaland
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Stavanger is one of those places that, on paper, you don't immediately think of for diving. Norway's oil capital, sure, but underwater? We were pleasantly surprised. The Rogaland coastline gives you a proper mix: some fantastic wrecks that really draw you in, big kelp forests that sway and hum with life, and then there’s the sheer drama of Lysefjorden’s underwater walls. Visibility here can be genuinely great, especially outside of the plankton blooms. We’ve had dives where you can see the light filtering down through the kelp, turning everything emerald. Our favourite sites are often those where the old fishing boats have settled, creating homes for the Common lobster and the occasional Broadnosed pipefish. Keep an eye out for the Friendly Blade Shrimp - they’re shy but pop up if you’re patient. The fjords offer a different vibe altogether, a darker, colder beauty with walls that drop into the inky deep, sometimes revealing large European fan-worms filtering the water. It’s certainly not a tropical dive, but the raw, wild nature of it is what we love. Just be prepared for the chill; a drysuit is really non-negotiable here.
Tromsø & Northern Norway
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Arctic diving with orca and humpback whale encounters during the herring run. Northern lights above, marine spectacles below.
Trondheim & Central Coast
Norway · Mediterranean & Europe
Cold-water coral reefs, WWII wrecks, and kelp forest diving along the central coastline.
Oman(4 regions)
Daymaniyat Islands
Oman · Red Sea & Middle East
The Daymaniyat Islands offer a solid dive trip, a protected nature reserve just off the coast of Muscat. We often spot green turtles gliding past, and the coral, particularly the cauliflower and pavona, feels genuinely healthy. If you’re lucky enough to be there between October and November, you might just get to swim with a whale shark - a real highlight. With 21 distinct dive sites, from pinnacles to walls, there’s enough variety to keep you exploring for a few days, though some of the currents can be a bit frisky depending on the tide.
Dhofar & Mirbat
Oman · Red Sea & Middle East
Southern Oman's monsoon-influenced coast with seasonal upwelling supporting humpback whales, nutrient-rich reefs, and unique marine biodiversity.
Musandam Peninsula
Oman · Red Sea & Middle East
The 'Norway of Arabia' with dramatic fjord-like inlets, whale sharks, dolphins, and colourful reef fish.
Muscat & Capital Coast
Oman · Red Sea & Middle East
Accessible diving from the capital with artificial reefs, coral gardens, and seasonal whale shark aggregations along the coastline.
Palau(4 regions)
Ngemelis & Big Drop-off
Palau · Central & South Pacific
Iconic wall dive dropping into the abyss with Napoleon wrasse, sharks, and brilliant coral. The Big Drop-off is one of Palau's most photographed sites.
Peleliu & Angaur
Palau · Central & South Pacific
Peleliu and Angaur diving. This isn't for the faint of heart, but boy, do we love a good drift dive, and these channels deliver. Think serious current, the kind that whips you along, making you feel truly part of the ocean’s rhythm. It’s here you’ll find the big stuff: packs of grey reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs, barracuda swirling in massive schools, and yes, the occasional bull shark making a dramatic appearance from the blue. We’d suggest planning your dives around the tides; a good guide makes all the difference in navigating these waters safely. The visibility can be incredible, sometimes over 30 metres, letting you spot those shy Malabar groupers lurking in the deeper pockets. Our favourite site often involves a hook-in, just to hang back and watch the parade of pelagics go by, the sound of the current rushing past your ears almost deafening. This is raw, unadulterated Palau diving. It’s fast, exhilarating, and leaves you buzzing long after you’ve surfaced.
Rock Islands
Palau · Central & South Pacific
The Rock Islands. Just the name conjures up those iconic mushroom-shaped islets, carved by millennia of waves, standing sentinel over some truly spectacular diving. We’ve logged more than a few hours here and still find ourselves craning our necks on the surface and craning our necks underwater. It’s the sheer scale that gets you - those towering walls plummeting into the deep, often bathed in a current that’s perfect for a drift. Blue Corner is, of course, the star, and we love it for its reliable shark action. Not just a couple, but grey reefs, white-tips, sometimes even a hammerhead if you’re lucky enough to catch the right conditions. Hang on to your reef hook and watch the show. German Channel is our pick for mantas, especially during the new moon when they gather to feed and clean. You can often feel the slight temperature drop as they glide past, a cool whisper in the water. Beyond the big stuff, the walls themselves are plastered in colour, a living canvas of soft corals and anemones. Look closer, and you’ll find smaller wonders like the impossibly vibrant Marshall Dottyback or the oddly charming Crazy Fish. We always suggest an early morning dive at Ulong Channel; the light, filtering through the water, is just magical, and the currents tend to be a little calmer, offering a more relaxed drift past patrolling barracuda and snapper. Strong currents are a given in places, so be ready for that, but it’s precisely what brings in the pelagics.
Ulong Channel
Palau · Central & South Pacific
A famous drift dive through a channel connecting the lagoon to the open ocean. Sharks, turtles, and eagle rays patrol the current-swept passage.
Panama(4 regions)
Bocas del Toro
Panama · Central America
Bocas del Toro diving is a quirky Caribbean affair, distinct from Panama’s Pacific side. We’re talking about a relaxed archipelago, where the current descriptions often mention “colourful coral gardens, mangrove channels, and frog fish,” and that’s a fair summary. You'll spend your surface intervals dodging rain showers and enjoying the lively town, then dive into spots where the visibility can swing from 25 metres to a murky 10. It’s not always gin-clear, but we love it for its character. Our favourite dives here are the ones that blend reef and structure. Think about drifting past a school of Atlantic spadefish, or spotting a surprisingly large barracuda lurking near a coral head. The wreck sites are more for atmosphere than pristine history, often hosting jewel morays and the occasional spotted sharpnose puffer. You’ll find some great macro life, especially if you have a keen eye for dragon wrasse and those famously camouflaged frog fish - they really do test your patience. We’d suggest focusing on the shallower sites and mangrove channels. That’s where you’ll usually find the best light, and where the blend of hard and soft corals really pops. Just be ready for the occasional strong surge. It’s the Caribbean, after all.
Coiba National Park
Panama · Central America
Coiba is one of those places you hear whispers about, a sort of wild west of Pacific diving, and for good reason. We love it because it genuinely feels remote, a proper adventure to get to, and it pays off in spades. Think strong, clean currents sweeping past ancient volcanic islands, attracting big pelagics like magnets. We've found the best time to visit is during the dry season, December to May, when the visibility often pushes past 20 metres. That’s when you’re most likely to see the big whale sharks cruise by, slow and majestic, or catch humpbacks breaching in the distance during their migration. The dives themselves are often drift dives, carrying you along walls covered in colourful soft corals and past schools of snapper and jacks so thick they momentarily blot out the sun. Don't be surprised to find nurse sharks napping under ledges or a curious clown wrasse checking you out. It’s rugged, untamed diving, and that’s precisely why we rate it so highly. Be prepared for a bit of a journey to get here, but that’s part of the charm.
Pearl Islands
Panama · Central America
Pacific archipelago near Panama City with whale shark encounters, manta rays, and schooling fish. Growing dive tourism in a developing destination.
San Blas Islands
Panama · Central America
The Guna Yala indigenous territory with pristine shallow reefs, palm-fringed islands, and cultural immersion. Coral gardens in crystal-clear Caribbean waters.
Papua New Guinea(6 regions)
Kavieng
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
WWII wrecks and pristine channel dives off New Ireland. Current-swept passages bring pelagics while sheltered reefs offer macro opportunities.
Kimbe Bay
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
Kimbe Bay, for us, is one of those places that just gets under your skin. We love it because it’s a dive where you can truly relax and just soak it all in. The reefs here are sheltered, which means you’re not battling strong currents, and it’s a fantastic spot for spotting those smaller, often overlooked creatures. We’ve spent hours just drifting, watching Oriental flying gurnards fan their iridescent fins and trying to spot the elusive Sand-dusted Cone. Our favourite dives are often those quieter muck sites, where the real treasures hide. Keep an eye out for the adorable Polkadot Cod and the bizarre Snakehead Gudgeon - they’re masters of camouflage. The seamounts are a different vibe entirely, suddenly you’re in the blue, surrounded by schooling barracuda and trevally. The visibility is generally excellent, and the sheer density of fish, over 860 species, is remarkable. We’d suggest going in the dry season, roughly May to November, for the calmest surface conditions and the best chance of clear water. It’s not about grand pelagics every dive, but rather the cumulative effect of so much healthy reef life, from the tiniest Grammistes Blenny to the sprawling Staghorn corals.
Milne Bay
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
Milne Bay, it’s fair to say, is where we truly fell in love with Papua New Guinea. This place sets the bar for muck diving, a critter hunter's dream where you’ll find things you’ve only ever seen in books, if at all. We’re talking about the famous pygmy seahorses, yes, but also the hairy scorpionfish, the utterly captivating dwarf atomgoby, and the subtle beauty of a palebarred reefgoby. The beauty of Milne Bay is that it isn't *just* muck. We’ve spent mornings carefully scanning a black sand slope for rare nudibranchs, then jumped in for an afternoon on a vibrant pinnacle, surrounded by schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light. Our favourite dive here is often a wreck dive, WWII relics draped in soft corals, creating artificial reefs that teem with life. There’s a particular thrill to navigating the darkness of an old cargo hold, knowing you might spook a big-eye trevally lurking within. Current can be a factor, especially on the exposed pinnacles, but it’s rarely a problem for the boat crews here. Visibility averages 20 meters, though we've had days where it felt like 30, and others where a passing shower cut it down. Either way, the critters are still there.
Rabaul & New Britain
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
Rabaul is a place that truly grabs you, not just for the diving but for the raw power of nature shaping the landscape. We love the sheer drama of diving among WWII wrecks in a harbour framed by active volcanoes. The water around here often has a slightly eerie, silty feel, especially closer to the eruptions, which only adds to the atmosphere when you’re finning over a Japanese Zero. Our favourite dives blend history with marine life. Imagine a squadron of Blue and Gold Fusiliers streaming past the wing of a sunken bomber, or a Coral Hawkfish perched patiently on a corroded artillery piece. The wrecks aren't just metal husks; they're artificial reefs, home to Rivulated Parrotfish and the odd Blood-stained Frog Shell. We'd suggest aiming for the morning dives - the visibility tends to be at its best before any afternoon thermal layers stir things up. Current can be a factor on some of the deeper wreck sites, so good buoyancy control is a must, but it's rarely a raging torrent. Keep an eye out for those Fringelip Blennies, always a joy to watch darting around the coral.
Tufi
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
Dramatic fjords with black coral trees, pristine reefs, and WWII aircraft wrecks. A true frontier diving experience.
Witu Islands
Papua New Guinea · Central & South Pacific
Remote volcanic islands with walls, caves, and volcanic vents. Hot springs on the seabed and pristine reef ecosystems rarely visited by divers.
Peru(2 regions)
Lima & Palomino Islands
Peru · South America
Diving near Lima? Yeah, you heard right. It's not your typical tropical getaway, and that’s precisely why we love it. The Palomino Islands are a short boat ride from Callao, and the main draw is undeniably the colossal sea lion colony. Imagine descending into the cool Humboldt Current waters, the visibility often a decent 10-15 metres, and then encountering hundreds, sometimes thousands, of playful sea lions. They’re curious, they nip at your fins, and they zoom past with surprising speed. This isn’t about colourful corals; it's about the sheer energy of these animals and the unique kelp forests they inhabit. We've seen Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross circling above, diving for anchovies, while below, schools of bumper and jack swirl through the kelp. Keep an eye out for jewel morays tucked into rocky crevices. The currents can be moderate, nothing too wild, but enough to make it feel like an ocean dive. We’d suggest going in the morning; the sea lions seem more active, and the light penetration through the kelp is something else. It's a raw, exciting experience, far from the polished reefs, and our pick for something truly different in South America.
Mancora & North Coast
Peru · South America
Peru. Yeah, we know what you’re thinking: Nazca lines, Machu Picchu, ceviche. Diving? Most divers don’t even have it on their radar, and honestly, we love that about Mancora. This isn't the Caribbean, so ditch any expectations of postcard-perfect visibility every single day. What you get here, at the very tip of Peru’s tropical north, is something far more interesting: a collision of currents that brings big pelagic life close to shore. We’re talking about a real chance to spot blue whales migrating through, usually between June and October. That’s not a guaranteed sighting, of course, but just knowing they’re out there adds a buzz to every boat ride. Dive sites like “El Ñuro” are essentially rocky pinnacles, often with strong surge, but the pay-off can be huge. We’ve bumped into schools of jacks so thick you lose your buddy, and on a really good day, a Galapagos bullhead shark cruising the deeper ledges. Our favourite, though, has to be looking for the Bloody Frogfish and Fire Tentacle Anemones, tucked away in crevices on the reefs. It’s a completely different vibe than the usual tropical reef, a bit wilder, a bit more unpredictable, and that’s precisely why we keep coming back.
Philippines(12 regions)
Anilao
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Anilao, a few hours south of Manila, feels like the spiritual home of Philippine diving. It's not about grand pelagics or sweeping walls here, though you’ll find some lovely reef dives. Anilao shines brightest for the small stuff, a real macro photography mecca. We love spending an hour on a single square metre of muck, finding Messmate Pipefish swaying gently or spotting a Stout Red Shrimp darting into an anemone. It’s a patient diver’s dream. You’ll encounter an incredible array of nudibranchs - truly, it feels like a competition to spot the rarest one - alongside pygmy ribbon-tail catsharks tucked under ledges and banded blennies peeking from their holes. Our favourite dives often involve a slow drift over a sandy slope, eyes peeled for juvenile angelfish or a well-camouflaged hawkfish. The visibility can vary, but generally, it’s clear enough to appreciate the intricate details. We'd suggest going during the dry season, November to May, for calmer seas and the best chances to really settle in and find those tiny treasures.
Apo Reef
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Apo Reef is undeniably a standout, and not just because it's the largest coral reef system in the Philippines. We’ve found that it consistently delivers some of the most dramatic wall dives in Southeast Asia. Drop off into serious blue, often with visibility stretching 30 metres or more. We love the sheer scale of the place; it feels truly wild out here in the Mindoro Strait. You’re looking at dramatic walls that plunge into the deep, often adorned with big gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. The highlight for us? Definitely the shark encounters. We’ve had incredible luck with whitetip and grey reef sharks patrolling the drop-offs, sometimes even a hammerhead if you hit the right season, usually around March to May. Manta rays are also a regular sight, gliding by on the current. The drift diving here is excellent, letting you cover a lot of ground with ease. Just be mindful of those currents; they can be strong, so good buoyancy is key. If you're into macro, we’d suggest spending some time in the shallower reef sections looking for blennies and gobies, they are surprisingly abundant. We’ve also had some incredible luck spotting large schools of fusiliers, so thick they almost block out the sun - a truly immersive experience.
Bohol
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Bohol delivers that classic Philippine dive vibe, but with a friendly, laid-back twist. We love Balicasag Island for its sheer walls, a proper freefall into the blue where you can often spot schooling barracuda or big trevally cruising by. Our favourite is slipping into the shallows around Panglao’s house reefs, where the macro life is always putting on a show: keep an eye out for the Slimy Cusk or the wonderfully quirky New Guinean Anglerfish tucked amongst the sponges. It’s not just about the big stuff, though whale shark encounters are a regular thrill and dolphin pods often make an appearance on boat rides. We always find the currents around Balicasag can be pretty zippy, so it pays to listen to your guide and perhaps consider a reef hook if you want to really savour the moment. Visibility is generally excellent, but we’d suggest diving early to avoid the crowds, especially at the more popular Balicasag sites. It’s a great place to refine your buoyancy over vibrant reef slopes or explore a muck site for critters like the Mangrove Cardinalfish.
Donsol & Sorsogon
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Okay, Donsol. Most people hear the name and think ‘whale sharks’, and they’re not wrong. Swimming with those gentle giants at the surface is a pretty special experience, and it’s done respectfully here. But what we love, what truly sets Sorsogon diving apart, is a bit further out, at Ticao Pass. This isn’t gentle drift diving. Ticao Pass is where the ocean gets down to business, and that usually means currents that’ll keep you alert. We’ve found the best approach is to drop in, hold on, and let the ocean bring the show to you. Manta rays are the big draw here, and we’ve seen them swoop in over the cleaning stations, sometimes in numbers, their massive forms gliding effortlessly through the blue. It’s a truly exhilarating place to dive, not for the faint of heart, but incredibly rewarding. Beyond the mantas, the reefs here are robust, taking the brunt of the currents and thriving on it. We’ve spotted schools of yellowstriped cardinalfish hanging close to the coral, and the occasional black-back butterflyfish flitting by. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after a good rain, but when it’s on, it’s worth every surge and flutter. We’d suggest going early in the morning for the best chance with the mantas, before the boat traffic picks up.
Dumaguete
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Dumaguete, for us, isn’t just a jumping-off point for Apo Island, though that’s certainly a draw. It’s the black sand slopes of Dauin, just a short boat ride south, that truly grab our attention. You drop onto volcanic sand, dark and unassuming, then start scanning. Within minutes, you’re seeing frogfish of every colour, often swaying gently with the current. We’ve spent whole dives tracking a mimic octopus as it morphs from lionfish to sea snake, right there in front of us. The visibility can range quite a bit, but that’s part of the muck diving charm - you’re so focused on the small stuff that a bit of haze doesn’t really matter. We’ve found some incredible blue-ringed octopuses here, tiny and unassuming until their rings light up with that unmistakable warning. Look for the Bearded Flathead Goby, a quirky little character, or the vibrant Ryukyu Fairy Wrasse darting around. It’s a photographer’s dream, and we’d suggest going slow, really taking your time over a small patch of sand. Don't be afraid to ask your guide to point out the truly bizarre, like the Crazy Fish, or the tiny Dwarf Atomgoby.
Malapascua
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Malapascua. Just the name makes us think of those early morning alarms and the promise of something truly special. For us, the draw is always Monad Shoal. There’s nowhere else on Earth where you can consistently see thresher sharks. We’re talking almost daily sightings, usually at dawn, as they come in for a clean-up. The water can be cool at that hour, and you often feel a gentle push from the current, but then a thresher glides into view, its impossibly long tail trailing behind, and you completely forget the chill. Beyond the threshers, the diving here holds plenty of other delights. We’ve spent hours at sites like Gato Island, weaving through its cave, spotting white-tip reef sharks snoozing and the occasional banded sea snake slithering by. The macro life is also excellent; we’ve found red-banded lobsters tucked into crevices and Japanese stargazers buried in the sand, their eyes peeking out. Muck diving around the shallower reefs near the island can turn up some real oddities if you have a sharp eye, like robust ghost pipefish and various nudibranchs. Visibility averages around 15-20 metres, but it can drop after heavy rains, especially if you’re not out at the more exposed sites. We’d suggest staying for at least five days to really soak it all in.
Palawan
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Palawan. Now, this is a place we always come back to. Forget those glossy brochures, this corner of the Philippines delivers on its own terms. We’ve had some truly epic days here, especially around Coron Bay, where those WWII Japanese wrecks are just legendary. You descend onto these hulks, and it’s like dropping into a time capsule, with schools of fusiliers so thick they block the light in places, and the occasional turtle just chilling on a deck. The water can feel a bit silty sometimes, especially inside the wrecks, but that just adds to the atmosphere. Then you have El Nido, a totally different vibe. Above water, it’s all dramatic limestone karsts, and underwater, it’s more of the same, with colourful reefs clinging to the walls. We’ve spotted countless parrotfish here, bright as a box of crayons, and those goofy-looking black-saddled leatherjackets are always good for a laugh. Our favourite dive in El Nido often involves just drifting along a wall, letting the current do the work, watching cleaner shrimp do their thing. The visibility in El Nido is generally better than Coron, and the reef life feels more vibrant. If you can time your trip for the dry season, roughly November to May, you'll dodge the heavy rains and get the clearest water. Just be prepared for a bit of a journey to get between the two areas. It's worth it.
Romblon
Philippines · Southeast Asia
An emerging macro diving destination between Mindoro and Panay. Blue-ringed octopus, nudibranchs, and seahorses abound in the island province's uncrowded waters.
Siargao
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Siargao, famous for its surf breaks, has quietly become a standout dive spot, and honestly, we’re thrilled the secret is getting out. We’ve always appreciated the chilled-out vibe topside, and that extends to the diving here too. You’re not fighting crowds; it feels more exploratory. The reefs around Siargao are something special. We love the vibrant soft corals that sway in the gentle surge, particularly at sites like Seeco Reef. Visibility often stretches out to 20 meters, sometimes more, giving you ample space to take in the schools of fusiliers and damselfish that shimmer in the sunlight. Keep an eye out for Ambon Gudgeons peeking from their sandy burrows or the delicate Opossum Pipefish clinging to a gorgonian. We’ve had some fantastic encounters with green sea turtles cruising along the reef walls, calm and unbothered by our presence. For a bit of excitement, look for reef sharks patrolling the deeper sections. Our favourite dive often involves drifting along a wall, watching the light play on the sponges and corals, a truly peaceful experience. Beginners will find plenty of sheltered spots, while intermediate divers can explore the deeper pinnacles. Come in the dry season, roughly March to October, for the calmest surface conditions.
Subic Bay
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Subic Bay isn't about drift diving over sprawling coral gardens. Here, it’s all about the history submerged. We love the USS New York, a proper battleship on its side, nearly 200 metres long and surprisingly intact. Dropping down onto that deck, feeling the cool current pull you slightly past massive gun turrets, it's a very different kind of dive. The viz can be a bit variable, especially after a good rain, but when it’s good, exploring the hold where light shafts pierce through the gloom is incredible. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the boat traffic if you can, and look out for the schools of silverfish that often shimmer around the superstructure. It’s a genuinely moody, atmospheric place to dive, far removed from the usual tropical brights. Beyond the big wrecks, there are smaller vessels and even a few planes, creating artificial reefs that attract everything from curious Hoeven's wrasse to the occasional yellow largescale flounder tucked into the sand.
Tubbataha Reef
Philippines · Southeast Asia
Tubbataha. Just the name makes us want to pack our bags. This UNESCO site is a live-aboard only affair, and for good reason. It’s remote, it’s wild, and it is, in our opinion, some of the most consistent big-fish action in Southeast Asia. What makes it special? The walls here are just epic, dropping into the deep blue with a constant parade of pelagics. We’re talking reef sharks, grey reefs, even hammerheads if you’re lucky, often cruising by in the current. You'll drift past schools of bannerfish so thick they dim the light, and we’ve seen manta rays glide over the reef tops more times than we can count. Keep an eye out for those smaller, intricate things too - we’ve spotted flaming blennies peeking from crevices and the stout red shrimp waving from their anemones. The currents can be brisk, which means fantastic drift dives, but you’ll want to be comfortable with that. Our favourite time to go is late April, just as the weather settles, though you only have a short window, March to June, to experience it. It truly feels like an untouched wilderness down there.
Visayas
Philippines · Southeast Asia
The Visayas is the beating heart of Philippine diving, no question. We’ve spent months here over the years, logging dives from dawn till dusk, and it still keeps us coming back. Moalboal’s sardine run is probably the main draw, and for good reason. Imagine millions of fusiliers, so thick they create living walls that block out the sun. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. We love dropping in just before sunset, when the bait ball starts to really coalesce, and the thresher sharks sometimes cruise by. A short boat ride away, Apo Island is a quiet escape where we always find ourselves surrounded by green sea turtles, just munching on seagrass, totally unbothered. The reefs here are in great shape, too, with plenty of healthy hard corals. But for something completely different, Dauin is our pick for muck diving. The volcanic sands hide an incredible cast of characters - think flamboyant cuttlefish, mimic octopuses, and frogfish camouflaged so perfectly you’d swim right past them if your guide wasn’t pointing. The visibility isn't always phenomenal, especially after a good rain, but that’s part of the fun of muck diving. Keep your eyes peeled for those bullet mackerel cruising the sandy flats, too. The currents can get zippy in some spots, particularly around Apo, so being comfortable with a bit of drift helps.
Portugal(2 regions)
Algarve & Berlengas
Portugal · Mediterranean & Europe
The Algarve and Berlengas islands offer a surprisingly varied take on European diving. We love the dramatic rock formations here, especially around the Berlengas archipelago. Think granite boulders draped in golden cup corals, often hiding secretive moray eels and spider crabs. Down in the Algarve, the coastline is a maze of grottoes and caverns. It’s not about the big pelagics here, though a lucky few might spot a Bryde's Whale offshore. Instead, it’s about the smaller, intricate details. Look for nudibranchs tucked into crevices and octopus peeking from rocky dens. The wrecks, like the Ocean Revival Park, are also a fantastic contrast to the natural reefs, creating artificial habitats that swarm with resident triggerfish. Visibility can vary, especially closer to shore, but on a good day, the light plays beautifully through the water in the caves. Our pick for a tranquil surface interval is exploring the Berlengas Nature Reserve, maybe catching a glimpse of a Eurasian Curlew. For something truly unique, keep an eye out for the unusual deep-sea species like lanternfish and constellationfish that occasionally surface or are found in deeper waters.
Azores
Portugal · Mediterranean & Europe
The Azores isn't your typical tropical escape. Forget warm, shallow reefs; this is raw, untamed Atlantic diving. Think dramatic volcanic architecture dropping into the blue, and a very real chance of spotting the big stuff. We love the seamounts here, especially Princess Alice Bank, where mobulas glide past in formation - it’s a proper spectacle. What makes the Azores truly special is the pelagic action. From June to October, blue sharks are a regular sight, often inquisitive and always graceful. We’ve had incredible encounters, just hanging in the blue, watching them circle. Visibility can be epic, 30 meters or more on a good day, giving you that profound sense of open ocean. The water can be chilly, even in summer, so a good 7mm wetsuit is sensible. For a different vibe, the cave diving is also fantastic, eerie and beautiful, with sunlight filtering through cracks above. It’s a place that demands respect, but rewards you with genuinely unique experiences.
Puerto Rico(3 regions)
Fajardo & East Coast
Puerto Rico · Caribbean
Diving off Puerto Rico's east coast, around Fajardo, is all about easy, colourful reef dives with some interesting twists. We love how accessible it is, perfect for a relaxed dive trip where you're not battling big currents. You'll find yourself drifting past schools of cottonwicks and saddle squirrelfish, often spotting the cheeky planehead filefish camouflaged against sponges. Our favourite sites are often those closer to the offshore islands, where the water usually feels a touch clearer. Keep an eye out for mimic blennies peeking from their holes, and if you’re lucky, a lined seahorse gripping a piece of seagrass. We’d suggest trying an early morning dive if you can, before too many boats stir things up. The caves here are generally shallow and more like swim-throughs, less about deep penetration and more about dramatic light. Don't expect huge pelagics, but the macro life, like the lamellose wentletrap if you have a good guide, is often overlooked and pretty cool. It’s a consistently pleasant dive, great for building confidence or just unwinding underwater.
La Parguera
Puerto Rico · Caribbean
La Parguera feels like the Caribbean we used to know, before the big resorts took over. It’s a sleepy fishing village, and that vibe extends underwater. We love the immediate access to the wall, a dramatic drop-off just a short boat ride out. It starts in about 15 metres, then plunges down hundreds of feet. Along the wall, we often spot Atlantic spotted dolphins playing in the currents, and the resident lemon sharks make an appearance more often than not. Look closely, and you’ll find Northern neon gobies perched on coral heads, tiny flashes of electric blue. We’ve had incredible luck finding rosy blennies here too, tucked into crevices, their little eyes peeking out. The currents can pick up, especially further along the wall, so it’s worth checking the conditions with your dive operator before heading out. Our favourite time to dive is early morning before the winds kick up. Dive sites like ‘The Black Wall’ are particularly striking, with deep gorgonians and sponges creating a rich tapestry of colour against the blue. While the corals aren’t always pristine like some other Caribbean spots, the sheer abundance of fish, from schools of jacks to solitary hogfish, more than makes up for it. And you can’t leave La Parguera without a night snorkel in the bioluminescent bay; it’s a magical, glowing experience after dark.
Rincon & West Coast
Puerto Rico · Caribbean
Rincon and Puerto Rico's west coast offer a distinctly Caribbean dive experience, but with a few local twists that we absolutely love. Think dramatic walls dropping into the blue, and pinnacles swarming with schools of grey snapper - we’ve seen them so thick you almost have to push through them. The visibility here is often astounding, with light penetrating deep onto the reef, highlighting the rough tube sponges and boulder brain coral. Our favourite time to dive here is during whale season, typically January through March, when humpbacks migrate through. You can often hear their songs underwater, a deep, resonant hum that vibrates through your chest, even if you don't spot them. Keep an eye out for the smaller, more unusual critters too; we’ve had incredible luck spotting banded jawfish hovering near their burrows and pearl blennies peeking from coral heads. For the adventurous, there are a few decent wrecks, though we tend to favour the natural reefs for their sheer scale and marine life, like the occasional conger eel peeking from a crevice. Current can be a factor on some of the more exposed sites, so it’s worth checking with the local dive shops on the day.
Réunion
Samoa(2 regions)
Savai'i
Samoa · Central & South Pacific
Savai’i is Samoa’s rugged big sister, and its diving feels the same way: wilder, less polished than Upolu. We love the volcanic topography here. It creates incredible swim-throughs and caverns. It’s not about huge pelagics, though you might spot an Amberjack cruising past. We come here for the smaller stuff. Keep your eyes peeled for the Halfspotted Hawkfish perched on corals, or a Scarlet Soldierfish peeking out from a crevice. Look closely for Dragonfish, they’re masters of camouflage. There’s only one dive centre on the island, and it’s a friendly operation. The sites are mostly beginner to intermediate. We often find ourselves drifting along gentle currents, spotting cowries tucked into rocks and watching Longfin Bannerfish glide by. Visibility is generally good, often 20 metres or more. We've found the best time to visit is during the dry season, May to October, when the seas are calmer. The lack of crowds is a real bonus here. You often feel like you have the whole reef to yourself, a rare luxury these days.
Upolu
Samoa · Central & South Pacific
Upolu delivers a relaxed, easygoing dive experience, a real throwback to how things felt a couple of decades ago. We love the accessible reef and cavern dives, particularly around the main island’s fringing reef. You’ll find some lovely macro here, we often spot Eye-lash Harptail-Blennies peeking out, and the Banded Toby is a regular. Our favourite dive is the Juno wreck, just off Apia, which is draped in colourful soft corals and home to plenty of Clown Tangs darting through the structure. Visibility can swing a bit depending on recent rains, but typically averages 15-20 metres. We always suggest hitting the water in the morning before any afternoon breezes kick up, making for calmer surface conditions. Look closely on the coral heads for tiny Strawberry Drupes or a shy Sneaky wrasse. It’s not about big pelagics here; it's about the intricate details and the peaceful drift over healthy coral. You’ll leave feeling refreshed, not rushed.
São Tomé & Príncipe(2 regions)
Príncipe
São Tomé & Príncipe · Indian Ocean & East Africa
A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with some of the Gulf of Guinea's most pristine underwater ecosystems and coral gardens.
São Tomé
São Tomé & Príncipe · Indian Ocean & East Africa
São Tomé feels like diving on the edge of the world, and that’s precisely what we love about it. The volcanic reef walls drop dramatically into the deep, often revealing schools of African forktail snapper and horse-eye jacks swirling off the current-swept corners. We’ve found the best encounters here come from simply hanging back and watching the ocean’s rhythm - you’ll see plenty of Molly Miller blennies darting in and out of the cracks, and keep an eye out for curious cleaver wrasse. Our favourite dives often involve the old colonial shipwrecks, where barracuda and silent silky sharks occasionally cruise past. If you’re here between July and October, definitely keep an eye out for whale sharks; they are reliably present, drifting along the coastline.
Saudi Arabia(5 regions)
Al Lith & The Red Sea Project
Saudi Arabia · Red Sea & Middle East
The gateway to Saudi Arabia's ambitious Red Sea tourism development. Pristine offshore reefs and islands being opened to sustainable dive tourism.
Farasan Islands
Saudi Arabia · Red Sea & Middle East
A remote archipelago in the southern Red Sea with pristine coral reefs, manta rays, and dugong populations. Limited access ensures healthy marine ecosystems.
Jeddah
Saudi Arabia · Red Sea & Middle East
Jeddah diving is a bit of a mixed bag, to be honest. Some days you get those incredible, gin-clear conditions the Red Sea is famous for, and other days, well, not so much. But when it's good, it's really good. We love the sheer number of sites accessible from shore or a quick boat ride. You’ll mostly find reef diving here, with some intriguing wrecks thrown in. Our favourite spots are definitely out around the offshore islands. That's where you'll escape the city's hustle and find conditions that feel more remote. Keep an eye out for Blackspot Surgeonfish schooling over the reef flats, and the Armed Squirrel-fish often peek out from under ledges. The Boiler wreck is a standout, offering a genuinely atmospheric dive. The current can pick up there, making for a lively drift, but it’s worth it for the sense of history and the marine life that congregates around the metal. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat the crowds and enjoy the best light filtering down. Visibility is generally better in the cooler months, though the water can get a bit chilly, so a 5mm suit is a good idea.
NEOM & Tabuk
Saudi Arabia · Red Sea & Middle East
The far northwest coast near the Gulf of Aqaba features virgin reefs and emerging dive tourism.
Yanbu
Saudi Arabia · Red Sea & Middle East
Yanbu. Now, this is a spot we’ve been quietly raving about to anyone who’ll listen. It’s got that untouched feel, like you've stumbled on something special before the crowds do. The reefs here are just… *lush*. Think soft coral gardens that undulate with every gentle surge, explosions of orange and purple that are genuinely mesmerising. We love the sheer health of the place. You'll find huge stands of table coral and cauliflower coral, providing homes for big schools of fusiliers and anthias that really put on a show. Keep an eye out for orange-lined triggerfish darting amongst the staghorn, and if you’re lucky, a well-camouflaged frogfish tucked away in the sponges. Our favourite dives often involve drifting along walls thick with bubble coral, watching the light play through the shallows. The visibility is usually excellent, often pushing past 25 metres, giving everything a wonderfully clear, almost three-dimensional quality. Dive early in the morning for the best chance of spotting pelagics off the deeper reef edges. It's a proper Red Sea experience, just without the jostle.
Senegal(2 regions)
Casamance Coast
Senegal · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Southern Senegal's mangrove-lined coast, with estuary diving, manatee encounters, and remote reef systems.
Dakar & N'Gor
Senegal · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Senegal's dive hub, with the N'Gor island marine reserve, WWII wrecks, and artificial reef projects teeming with life.
Seychelles(4 regions)
Aldabra & Outer Islands
Seychelles · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Aldabra. Just the name carries a certain weight, doesn't it? This isn’t your typical Seychelles trip. Forget speedy pangas and day trips; getting here means committing to a liveaboard, and frankly, that’s exactly how it should be. The diving here feels raw, ancient, like stepping back to a time before humans really interfered. We love the sheer scale of it all, especially the channels. When the current pushes through, it’s a drift dive on steroids, a conveyor belt of pelagics. Grey reef sharks patrol the drop-offs, often in numbers that make you pause. We’ve seen schools of barracuda so dense they create a shimmering wall, and manta rays glide past with an unhurried grace that always captivates us. Our favourite moments are often in the quieter sections though, tucked behind a coral bommie, watching a common hairy crab scuttling across the seabed or the subtle iridescent sheen of an Indian Ocean oriental sweetlips. Visibility is generally excellent, often 25m or more, allowing you to truly appreciate the topography of this massive atoll. Be prepared for strong currents; this isn’t a place for the easily flustered. But for those willing to embrace the wild, Aldabra is an experience few other places can match.
Desroches & Amirantes
Seychelles · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Remote atolls southwest of Mahé with drop-offs, channel dives, and large pelagic encounters including sailfish and tuna.
Inner Islands
Seychelles · Indian Ocean & East Africa
The Inner Islands of Seychelles, particularly around Mahé, Praslin, and La Digue, are where we send divers who want a bit of everything. We're talking dramatic granite boulder formations underwater, sculpting caves and swim-throughs you just have to fin through. We love the sheer variety here, from gentle reefs to exciting drift dives, and the pinnacles often hold surprises. Visibility can often hit 20-25 metres, giving you plenty of space to spot the resident honeycomb morays peeking from crevices or a school of ocean triggerfish shimmering by. Come October, our top tip is to keep an eye out for whale sharks; they cruise these waters with a serene presence that’s genuinely humbling. You might also catch a glimpse of Allison's Tuna darting past or the more elusive scalloped hammerheads if you're lucky. The wreck diving here is also solid, offering a different kind of exploration when you want a break from the reef. Just watch for currents on some of the deeper pinnacles, they can pick up quickly.
Silhouette Island
Seychelles · Indian Ocean & East Africa
A national park island with pristine reefs, whale shark encounters, and dramatic granite underwater landscapes. Limited access ensures conservation.
Singapore
Solomon Islands(5 regions)
Florida Islands
Solomon Islands · Central & South Pacific
Near Honiara with accessible reef and wreck diving. Twin Tunnels and Mary Island offer dramatic swim-throughs.
Gizo & Western Province
Solomon Islands · Central & South Pacific
Gizo, and the wider Western Province, is the Solomon Islands at its most captivating. We love the feeling of truly being off the beaten track here, trading the usual dive boat crowds for genuine village warmth. You’ll find sites that hum with a kind of quiet intensity, often with just your buddy and the occasional local canoe passing by. Our favourite dives often start with a descent onto a WWII wreck, perhaps the iconic Toa Maru, a massive Japanese transport ship now a sprawling artificial reef, or the smaller, eerier Kennedy Island wreck. Down there, schools of Indian mackerel pulse in unison, and colossal rock cod eye you from beneath overhangs. The reefs themselves are a tapestry of life, not always the most colourful corals, but the sheer density of fish is something else. Look for the electric flash of blue-lined surgeonfish, or the subtle dance of ghost cardinalfish in a cave entrance. We’d suggest keeping an eye on the currents; they can be spirited here, bringing in giant trevally and plenty of hound needlefish on the pinnacles. The visibility can be variable, particularly after heavy rain, but when it’s good, the clarity through the fluted clam beds is something special. Dive here for the real Solomons, for history, and for a slower pace of discovery.
Iron Bottom Sound
Solomon Islands · Central & South Pacific
There’s an eerie quiet when you descend into Iron Bottom Sound. It's a vast underwater graveyard, littered with the ghosts of WWII. We're talking dozens of ships and planes, some practically intact, others just scattered debris. Our favourite wrecks are the shallower ones, often bathed in a ghostly blue light, where schools of fusiliers are so thick they practically block out the sun, swarming around gun turrets and cargo holds. The sheer volume of history down here is immense. You might be exploring a landing craft, then drift past a coral-encrusted fighter plane just a few fin kicks away. We’ve spotted Leopard Hind tucked into anti-aircraft guns, and occasionally, a curious Slender Snake Eel poking its head from some forgotten bulkhead. Current can be a factor, especially on some of the deeper sites, but it often just adds to the atmosphere, carrying you slowly past giant anchors and propellers. It's a profoundly humbling experience, a unique blend of history and thriving marine life that you won’t find anywhere else. Go when the dry season brings calmer seas; it makes getting to some of the outer sites much easier.
Marovo Lagoon
Solomon Islands · Central & South Pacific
The world's largest saltwater lagoon with pristine reef diving and community-managed marine protected areas.
Russell Islands
Solomon Islands · Central & South Pacific
Remote islands between Guadalcanal and New Georgia with pristine reefs, dramatic walls, and WWII wreck diving.
South Africa(3 regions)
Cape Town & Western Cape
South Africa · Indian Ocean & East Africa
The diving around Cape Town is a different beast entirely. We’re talking proper cold water, usually around 10-14°C, so bring your drysuit or a thick wetsuit. But embrace the chill, because what you get in return is phenomenal: towering kelp forests, playful Cape fur seals, and some serious pelagic action. This isn’t your typical tropical reef experience, it’s raw, wild, and utterly captivating. We love the energy of a kelp forest dive, the way the light filters through the canopy, illuminating schools of hottentot and strepies. Our favourite has to be Partridge Point, especially if you can get in with the seals - they’re endlessly curious, nipping at fins and swirling around you like underwater puppies. Visibility can be a bit variable, often 5-15 metres, but when it’s good, it's magical. Keep an eye out for the shy pyjama sharks tucked away in crevices, or the occasional broadnose sevengill shark cruising by. For the wreck enthusiasts, there are plenty of options, from the relatively shallow SAS Pietermaritzburg to deeper, more challenging sites. The ocean here feels alive, full of powerful currents and dramatic topography, from pinnacles to walls that drop into the inky deep. It’s definitely a spot for the adventurous, and we think it rewards that bravery tenfold.
KwaZulu-Natal
South Africa · Indian Ocean & East Africa
KwaZulu-Natal is where the Indian Ocean really flexes its muscles on South Africa's subtropical east coast. We love it for its raw energy, especially when the Sardine Run kicks off - that chaotic, beautiful frenzy is something else, but it’s not for the faint of heart. Beyond the baitball action, Aliwal Shoal is our favourite, a true magnet for serious shark encounters. Diving here means you’ll often be tackling drift dives, getting swept along with the current past ragged pinnacles and dramatic wall drops. You’ll frequently spot grey nurse sharks cruising through the gullies, their toothy grins surprisingly placid, or watch schools of tuna flash by like silver missiles. We’d suggest timing your trip for late winter if the Sardine Run is your goal, but even outside of that, the consistent flow of the Agulhas Current keeps the bigger pelagics moving through year-round. Expect strong currents and dynamic conditions; this isn't a place for gentle bobbing. It’s a proper, adrenaline-pumping dive every time you get in.
Sodwana Bay
South Africa · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Sodwana Bay is a standout, no question. We’ve logged countless dives here and it always delivers something new. Think subtropical reef diving, proper Indian Ocean stuff, inside a UNESCO World Heritage site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. You get deep pinnacles, surprising caves, and some genuinely healthy reefs, all reachable via bouncy RIB rides from the beach. What makes Sodwana special? The sheer volume of fish. It’s not just big stuff, though you get your share of sharks and emperor fish. It’s the constant schooling activity - fusiliers, trevallies, even those quirky Popeye Lanternfish on a night dive if you know where to look. The reefs themselves are full of intricate details, like tiny Bandcheek wrasse flitting between anemones and surprisingly robust corals, some of them ancient. Conditions can vary. In summer, we often see visibility pushing 20 metres or more, and the water is bath-warm. Winter brings slightly cooler water but often calmer seas, and sometimes, the visibility is just phenomenal. Currents can pick up, particularly on the deeper sites like Nine-Mile, so we always brief thoroughly. Our favourite sites are usually Stringer and Ribbon, especially early morning before the crowds. Definitely worth the drive, a proper South African dive adventure.
South Korea(3 regions)
East Coast
South Korea · East Asia
South Korea’s East Coast diving, particularly along the Gangwon coast, offers a genuine cold-water experience. We’re talking proper temperate diving, where you’ll trade tropical colours for a unique ecosystem teeming with species like the striking Snake Prickleback and the surprisingly charismatic Webfoot Octopus. It’s a different kind of beauty down here. Our favourite time to dive is late spring into early summer, when visibility is generally at its best and you might catch the incredible sight of squid aggregations. We’ve been surrounded by thousands of them, a truly wild experience. Expect to see big schools of Pacific herring and Big-eye trevally swirling around; the sheer number of fish can be astounding. The reefs here are mostly rocky, dotted with sea lettuce and various bryozoans, and there are a few decent wrecks to explore that act as artificial reefs. While you wont find coral gardens, you'll still see plenty of Bannerfish and even the occasional Green Turtle if you're lucky. Be prepared for colder water and a wetsuit that means business; we usually opt for a semi-dry or full drysuit to stay comfortable.
Jeju Island
South Korea · East Asia
Jeju Island is where we head when we want something a little different, a stark contrast to the tropical dive sites we often frequent. It’s got a raw, volcanic beauty, with dramatic basalt formations that create incredible swim-throughs and overhangs. The soft coral forests here are just phenomenal, carpets of yellows, oranges, and purples clinging to the rocks. We often spot Mimka bobtail squid jetting around the crevices or a Japanese stargazer half-buried in the sand, just its eyes peeking out. Our favourite time to dive Jeju is in autumn. The water is still warm, around 20-22°C, and the visibility can stretch to 20 metres or more. We always make a point to visit Munseom Island, particularly the ‘Seopseom Corner’ site. That’s where you’ll find the densest soft coral, along with schools of scad swirling like silver tornadoes. The currents can pick up a bit, so we’d suggest going with a local guide who knows the tides. Keep an eye out for the famed haenyeo, Jeju’s women free-divers; seeing them work is a powerful reminder of the ocean's enduring culture here. It’s not about big pelagics, it’s about the intricate details, the unique species, and the sheer, rugged beauty of the underwater landscape.
Ulleungdo
South Korea · East Asia
Ulleungdo isn't your typical South Korean dive trip, and that's precisely why we love it. This remote volcanic island, jutting out of the East Sea, offers a genuinely unique perspective on temperate diving. We're talking dramatic underwater topography, where ancient lava flows have sculpted impressive walls and swim-throughs, all covered in a dense carpet of kelp and sea lettuce. The visibility here is often surprisingly good, especially compared to some mainland sites, letting you appreciate the scale of it all. Forget your tropical fish ID charts; Ulleungdo is all about the hardy, beautiful species that thrive in cooler waters. We’ve spotted everything from curious Japanese pinecone-fish tucked into crevices to large schools of California yellowtail cruising past. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the vividly coloured short-head sabretooth blenny. While "beginner" is listed, some sites can have a bit of a current, so it pays to be comfortable in moving water, though your guide will always pick the best conditions. Our favourite time to visit is late summer when the water is warmest and the marine life seems most active.
Spain(7 regions)
Balearic Islands
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving the Balearics always feels like coming home, if your home had sea caves and more groupers than people. We love the feeling of slipping into that warm Med water, especially around Mallorca where the light shafts into the cavern systems are just incredible. Forget the crowded beaches; underwater, it's a different world. On a good day, the visibility stretches for ages, making those posidonia meadows around Formentera feel endless. We’ve drifted over them, spotting elegant cuttlefish playing hide-and-seek, and we always get a kick out of seeing the painted combers darting in and out of the rocky reefs. Our favourite time to visit is late September. The summer crowds have thinned out, but the water's still lovely and warm. That's when we've had our best luck finding intermediate bobtail squid tucked away, or spotting a brown skate gliding over the sand. You might even catch a glimpse of a fork-beard if you know where to look in some of the deeper spots. Currents can pick up, especially around the exposed points, so always check with the local centres. They’re usually a friendly bunch and will point you to the best conditions for the day. While it isn't the red-sea kaleidoscope, the distinct Mediterranean vibe, with its ancient wrecks and the subtle beauty of the marine life, really gets under your skin.
Cabo de Palos
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
Cabo de Palos, particularly the Islas Hormigas marine reserve, delivers some of the most dynamic diving in the Spanish Mediterranean. We love the dramatic pinnacles, sheer walls, and the way the light filters through the deeper sections. It’s a place where you genuinely feel the Mediterranean pulse, with plenty of schooling snapper often hugging the reefs and even the occasional common smoothhound cruising past. The reserve is well-known for its pelagic action and deep wrecks, but even at shallower depths, the density of marine life is impressive - think ornate wrasse flitting between pink sea fans and playful common dragonets on the sand. We’d suggest heading out early to beat the crowds, especially in summer. Keep an eye out for Rüppell's scaldback lurking in crevices and don’t be surprised if a curious bellowfish eyeballs you from a gorgonian patch. Currents here can be quite strong, particularly around the pinnacles, so it’s not always a gentle drift.
Canary Islands
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
We’ll be honest, when most people think of European diving, the Canaries aren’t the first place that springs to mind. But you’d be missing out. These volcanic islands offer something genuinely different: dramatic underwater architecture carved from ancient lava flows. Think dark, moody caves, swim-throughs, and arches, often with schools of salema or blacktail bream flickering in the shafts of light. Our favourite spots are often the deeper pinnacles, where we’ve regularly encountered squadrons of devilfish cruising past. Keep an eye out for angel sharks, particularly in the sandier patches - they're masters of camouflage, so a good dive guide helps here. We’ve also had some incredible luck with manta rays passing through, though they’re not an everyday sight. The currents can be playful, especially around the exposed sites, so check the conditions before you jump in. We love it for the blend of Atlantic marine life and unexpected tropical visitors, all set against that stunning, otherworldly backdrop.
Costa Brava
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
The Costa Brava, a stretch of rugged Spanish coastline, offers a more varied dive trip than some might expect from the Mediterranean. We love the dramatic topography; think sheer walls dropping into the blue and plenty of swim-throughs to explore. Visibility can really impress, especially outside the busy summer months, giving you a clear view of the dense posidonia meadows swaying in the gentle surge. Our favourite spots are definitely around L'Estartit and Roses, where the Medes Islands are a big draw, but don't overlook the mainland for some proper cave diving and unexpected historic finds like old anchors. We’ve finned past schools of axillary sea-bream so thick they almost obscure the light, and spotted shy anglerfish tucked away in rocky crevices. Keep an eye out for loggerhead turtles cruising by, and if you’re lucky, a Blue-white Dolphin on the deeper excursions. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn; the crowds are thinner, the water’s still warm, and the visibility is often at its prime. Just be prepared for a bit of a chill if you're diving earlier in the year.
El Hierro
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
The smallest Canary Island hosts a marine reserve with volcanic topography and exceptional visibility.
Galicia & Atlantic Coast
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
Atlantic cold-water diving with the Rías Baixas estuaries, kelp forests, and the Cíes Islands' marine park. Rich biodiversity where Atlantic meets Mediterranean.
Medes Islands
Spain · Mediterranean & Europe
The Medes Islands, just off the Costa Brava, really deliver for Mediterranean diving. We love the sheer density of fish here, a welcome change from some quieter Med spots. Diving around the protected islands means you’re often finning alongside enormous groupers, some so large they barely stir as you pass. Barracuda schools often hang in the blue, catching the light, and octopus seem to peek from every crevice. Our favourite time to visit is late spring or early autumn. The water’s still warm, the crowds are thinner, and the visibility can be absolutely glorious, stretching to 20 metres on a good day. There's a decent chance of spotting a loggerhead turtle cruising past, especially near the deeper walls. Don't miss the chance to explore some of the caves and tunnels; we find the light filtering in creates an ethereal atmosphere. Just keep an eye on the currents, which can pick up a bit around the pinnacles, particularly after a strong easterly wind.
Sri Lanka(4 regions)
Batticaloa & East
Sri Lanka · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Sri Lanka's newest dive frontier, with HMS Hermes wreck - the first aircraft carrier ever sunk - lying in 54m.
Hikkaduwa & South Coast
Sri Lanka · Indian Ocean & East Africa
We love Hikkaduwa for its easy going vibe and surprising amount of wreck diving, a nice counterpoint to the more common reef dives you find along Sri Lanka’s south coast. It’s certainly a busy place topside, but once you slip below the surface, the clamour fades into the low hum of schooling perch and the quiet rustle of burrowing urchins. Our favourite sites here are the wrecks, particularly the Conch and the Earl of Shaftesbury, both sitting at depths accessible to intermediate divers and often hosting large schools of fusiliers that can be so thick they block out the sun. Keep an eye out for pharaoh cuttlefish on the reef edges, especially in the shallower sections where the staghorn coral thrives. The currents here are generally mild, making it a good spot for beginners to get comfortable, but they can pick up a bit on the deeper wreck dives, so it’s worth checking the local conditions. Visibility averages a solid 15-20 metres during the peak season from November to April, though it drops off sharply with the monsoon rains. You'll often find blue-lined surgeonfish grazing the corals and the occasional large-toothed ponyfish darting through the open water. While tiger sharks are rare visitors, we have seen them cruising the deeper parts of the reef during calmer periods.
Kalpitiya & Northwest
Sri Lanka · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Kalpitiya is a real up-and-comer for Sri Lanka diving. We love the feeling of exploring somewhere still finding its feet, especially when it delivers sights like the Bar Reef. It’s a huge system, the biggest coral reef in Sri Lanka, and you’ll find yourself drifting over plateaus packed with Nagasaki damsels and blue green chromis. Keep an eye out for humpback turretfish, they’re odd little things. The season runs from November to May, and that’s when you’ll get the clearest water. Visibility can hit 20 metres on a good day. It’s mostly drift diving, the currents aren't too gnarly, just enough to carry you along. We’ve had some memorable encounters with tiger sharks here, a real adrenaline rush. You’re also in prime territory for dolphins, and during the migration months, you might even spot a blue whale on the surface interval. Don't expect pristine, untouched corals everywhere; this region has seen its share of changes. But the sheer scale of the reef, the chance for pelagics, and the quiet dive centres make Kalpitiya our pick for a more adventurous Sri Lanka trip.
Trincomalee & East Coast
Sri Lanka · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Trincomalee on Sri Lanka’s east coast is our favourite summer escape. While the west coast bathes in monsoon, Trinco offers calm seas and fantastic visibility from May to October. We often find ourselves drifting over healthy reefs, punctuated by historic wrecks, all while keeping an eye out for larger pelagics moving through. It’s a completely different vibe than the south, less developed, more laid-back. The diving here really comes alive with its blend of natural reefs and fascinating wrecks. We particularly love the WWII British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes, sunk in 1942. Dropping down onto that vast, broken superstructure, seeing the flight deck guns still mounted, feels like swimming through history. Visibility on the Hermes can be excellent, sometimes pushing 25 metres, letting you appreciate the sheer scale. It's home to some impressive resident barracuda and giant trevally, and we've spotted bluespotted stingrays resting on the sandy bottom nearby. For something completely different, a shallow dive at Pigeon Island National Park brings you face to face with blacktip reef sharks patrolling the coral gardens - a real treat for beginners. Keep an eye out for the jumping blennies along the rocky edges, they’re a delight. Currents are generally mild here, making it accessible for most divers, though some wreck penetrations are definitely for the more experienced. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a whale from the surface during your safety stop.
St. Kitts & Nevis
St. Lucia(2 regions)
Anse La Raye
St. Lucia · Caribbean
Anse La Raye sits a little off the typical St. Lucian dive circuit, and that’s precisely what we love about it. You get a sense of quiet discovery here, with fewer boats and a more relaxed pace. The dive sites are a good mix, from gentle reefs perfect for knocking off the rust to deeper walls that ask a bit more of you. Our favourite spot here is the wall at Anse Cochon, a proper vertical drop that feels like diving off the edge of the world. We've often found ourselves eye-to-eye with big barracuda lurking in the blue, or spotting the intricate patterns of a spotted trunkfish moving slowly along the coral. Keep an eye out for the odd conger eel peeking from a crevice. The wrecks, like the Lesleen M, are also a fantastic dive, already well-colonised and a magnet for schools of false herring. Visibility is generally good, often stretching to 20-25 metres, and the currents are typically mild, especially compared to some of the more exposed sites further south. We'd suggest going in the morning; the light on the wall is spectacular as the sun climbs higher. The lack of crowds really lets you savour the small stuff, like the shy opossum pipefish or the vibrant red hogfish darting between the soft corals. It's a genuine slice of Caribbean diving, unhurried and full of life.
Soufriere & The Pitons
St. Lucia · Caribbean
Diving Soufriere means walls, plain and simple. We’re talking world-class wall diving, plummeting beneath the dramatic Piton peaks. Think visibility often stretching past 30 metres, letting you really appreciate the sheer scale as the reef drops away into the blue. Our favourite dive here is probably Superman's Flight, named for the movie scene shot nearby, where you drift along a vibrant wall, often spotting large pelagics cruising by. We love the feeling of hanging mid-water, looking down into the abyss, then glancing up to see the iconic Pitons piercing the surface. Keep an eye out for the smaller stuff too, like the Harlequin Bass tucked into crevices or the shy Brotula peeking from its hideout. The currents can be playful, especially around the points, but they also bring in the bigger fish - we’ve had some fantastic encounters with Mahi Mahi here. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a Leatherback Sea Turtle slowly finning past in season, usually April to June. It’s a superb spot for intermediate divers who appreciate dramatic topography and healthy reefs.
St. Vincent & the Grenadines(2 regions)
St. Vincent
St. Vincent & the Grenadines · Caribbean
St. Vincent is a quiet surprise, often overshadowed by its Grenadine neighbours. But for divers who really look, it’s a macro heaven. We love the volcanic topography here; the dramatic slopes and swim-throughs are just begging to be explored. You’ll find walls draped in black coral, swaying gently in the current, and closer inspection reveals a staggering array of tiny residents. This isn’t about big pelagics, though a reef shark might cruise by. St. Vincent is for the patient observer. We’ve spent whole dives mesmerized by the hunt of an Inshore Lizardfish, or spotting the perfect camouflage of a Pacific Spotted Scorpionfish. Look for the Sawcheek Cardinalfish tucked into crevices and the tiny, almost invisible, Stippled Clingfish on sponges. The currents can be moderate, especially on drift dives, but they generally bring nutrients, making for active reef life. Early morning dives often offer the best visibility before the day heats up, and you’ll find more critters out and about before divers arrive. The wrecks are fun, but it’s the volcanic reef and its miniature inhabitants that truly capture our attention here.
Tobago Cays
St. Vincent & the Grenadines · Caribbean
Tobago Cays isn't about dive shops and crowded boats. It's about anchoring your own catamaran and rolling off the transom directly into the big blue. We love that freedom. The reef here, especially around Mayreau Gardens, feels genuinely untouched, dropping gently to about 15-20 meters. You can spend an entire afternoon finning alongside green turtles munching on seagrass, so close you can hear the crunch. We’ve seen schools of bluestriped grunt so thick they momentarily block out the sun, and the massive starlet corals are just enormous, like underwater apartment blocks. Our favourite is spotting the smaller stuff, though - a flat needlefish hanging motionless, or the elusive American pugnose pipefish tucked away. The currents are generally mild within the protected marine park, making it a dream for relaxed drift dives. Go in the morning before the day charter boats arrive; it’s just you and the fish. It’s an easy spot to fall in love with.
Sudan(3 regions)
Port Sudan & Sanganeb
Sudan · Red Sea & Middle East
Dive Sudan, and you’re signing up for an adventure. This isn't your usual resort diving, and that's exactly why we love it. The sheer isolation means fewer boats, fewer divers, and frankly, a much wilder experience. The star of the show has to be Sanganeb Atoll, a UNESCO site that really delivers. We're talking proper dramatic walls here, dropping straight into the deep blue. Keep an eye out for hammerheads patrolling the edges; we’ve had some incredible encounters there, especially in the mornings. You'll also find Cousteau's Conshelf II habitat, a truly surreal sight as you fin past a piece of history. The hard corals here are some of the best preserved in the Red Sea, with huge staghorn formations that just teem with fusiliers. Currents around Sanganeb can be a bit lively, so this is definitely one for intermediate divers who are comfortable moving with the flow. Visibility is usually superb, often 30 metres plus, making those deep wall dives feel endless. Our favourite moments are drifting along, watching the reef unfold, and then spotting a massive argus grouper lurking under an overhang. It’s raw, it’s remote, and it’s absolutely worth the effort.
Sha'ab Rumi & Offshore Reefs
Sudan · Red Sea & Middle East
Famous for Jacques Cousteau's underwater experiments, Sha'ab Rumi features shark encounters, intact coral, and the iconic Conshelf II structure.
Southern Reefs
Sudan · Red Sea & Middle East
Remote reefs stretching south with virgin coral formations and virtually no other divers.
Sweden(2 regions)
Baltic Coast
Sweden · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving the Baltic Coast in Sweden means trading colourful reefs for something altogether more hauntingly beautiful. This isn't your typical tropical escape, and we love it for that. The real draw here is the phenomenal preservation of wooden wrecks. Think about it: cold, brackish water means shipworms don't thrive, leaving timbers intact for centuries. Dropping down onto a site, you'll feel that incredible chill that preserves history so well. We've seen wrecks so well-preserved you can still spot the rigging blocks and deck planks as if they sank last year, not hundreds of years ago. Visibility can be a bit variable, but when it’s good, it’s truly spectacular, offering clear views of these historical time capsules. Keep an eye out for the odd burbot lurking in a shadowy corner, or a broadnosed pipefish drifting past. We'd suggest aiming for late summer or early autumn for the most settled conditions, though it's always worth checking local reports for current and visibility. This area isn't about tropical fish; it's about history, cold water, and an experience you won't find anywhere else.
West Coast (Gothenburg)
Sweden · Mediterranean & Europe
Diving on Sweden's West Coast, particularly around Gothenburg, is a unique, often bracing experience. Forget your typical tropical colours. Here, the North Sea influence brings a different kind of beauty: dense, swaying kelp forests and a rugged coastline that feels genuinely wild. We love the dramatic rock formations and the way sunlight filters through the green canopy, illuminating schools of saithe and wrasse. Our pick for a truly memorable dive is any of the numerous wrecks - they’re plentiful and often well-preserved in the colder water. You'll find yourself exploring old fishing boats and cargo ships, now home to harbour porpoises and thick colonies of hairy sea-mat. The visibility can vary, but on a good day, it's easily 15-20 metres, offering clear views of the structures and the fish that shelter within them. We’d suggest focusing on late summer or early autumn for the best conditions; the water’s at its warmest, around 15°C, and there’s less chance of strong winds. Just be ready for cooler water regardless - a drysuit is practically standard kit here. Keep an eye out for curious common gulls overhead and, if you're lucky, a fleeting glimpse of a sea trout. It’s not for everyone, but for those who appreciate temperate diving, this region offers an honest, raw beauty.
Taiwan(4 regions)
Green Island
Taiwan · East Asia
Green Island is a place we always circle back to, especially when we’re after a bit of a thrill. It’s a volcanic outcrop, and that geology means some seriously dramatic underwater topography. Think sheer walls, swim-throughs, and the kind of hard coral coverage that reminds you how resilient reefs can be. We’re talking massive Montipora and Birdsnest colonies, vibrant against the dark rock. Currents here are often brisk, which makes for exhilarating drift dives. If you time it right, you can really fly past the scenery, spotting Diana’s Hogfish darting between corals and the occasional curious Avocet Snipe Eel peeking from a crevice. We’ve found the Golden Angelfish here are particularly striking, a flash of colour against the blue. Visibility is generally solid, but those currents can sometimes stir things up a bit near the coast. Our favourite way to end a day of diving? Soaking in the island's unique underwater hot springs. It's an experience you don't find just anywhere, and it rounds out the adventure perfectly.
Kenting National Park
Taiwan · East Asia
Kenting National Park, right at Taiwan’s southern tip, is where the warm Kuroshio Current really makes its presence felt. We’ve logged quite a few dives here, and it’s always interesting to see how the currents shape things. You’ll mostly be drifting along reefs covered in Montipora coral, with plenty of Blackfin Chromis darting around. It’s a good spot for spotting some of the smaller, unique stuff, like the Hair Tailed Blenny or a Threadfin Reefgoby if you slow down and look closely. Our favourite time to dive Kenting is outside of typhoon season, generally from October through May, when the visibility tends to be more consistent. The reefs here aren’t always as dramatic as some other places, but we appreciate the sheer volume of species. We’ve seen Humphead Unicornfish schooling in the deeper sections and Clown Butterflyfish picking their way across the corals. There are some decent wreck dives too, offering a different kind of exploration when the reef life feels a bit familiar. Just be ready for a bit of surge on some days, especially around the exposed pinnacles.
Northeast Coast
Taiwan · East Asia
Taiwan’s Northeast Coast, just a short drive from Taipei, is often overlooked by divers chasing tropical titans. That’s a mistake. We love it for its quiet charm and incredible macro opportunities. Think temperate rocky reefs, a place where you're more likely to spot a quirky Flat-faced Seahorse clinging to a sponge or a shy Red Whalefish tucked into a crevice than a pelagic showstopper. The nudibranch diversity here is truly outstanding; you’ll find species you’ve never even heard of, their colours popping against the darker rock. Visibility can be a bit variable, especially after heavy rains, but we find the best conditions usually run from late spring through autumn. That’s when the soft corals really come alive, painting the reefs in delicate pinks and purples. Currents are generally manageable, making it perfect for lingering over a patch of Pavona coral searching for a Honeycomb Grouper or a Green Turtle munching on algae. Don't expect dramatic drop-offs; this is diving for the patient observer, the one who thrills at finding a Blackfin Triplefin perched on a rock or a pair of Common Dragonets dancing during their mating ritual. Our favourite dive often involves picking a small area and thoroughly exploring every crack and crevice - you’ll be amazed at what reveals itself.
Orchid Island (Lanyu)
Taiwan · East Asia
Remote island home to the indigenous Tao people, with crystal-clear waters, coral gardens, and flying fish migrations.
Tanzania(5 regions)
Dar es Salaam & Offshore Islands
Tanzania · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Dar es Salaam isn't the first place that springs to mind for Tanzanian diving, with Zanzibar hogging much of the spotlight. But venture out to the offshore islands, particularly those within the marine reserves, and you’ll find some genuinely charming spots. We love the feeling of slipping into a calm blue and watching schools of fusiliers drift by, sometimes so dense they really block the light. The reefs around Bongoyo and Mbudya are our favourites; they're not dramatic walls, but gentle slopes and patches, full of vibrant coral growth and a good variety of reef fish. You'll often spot flowery flounders camouflaged perfectly on the sand, or a banded toby poking around the coral heads. We’ve had lovely drift dives here too, just letting the current carry us past the seagrass beds where you might spot a Pacific cornetfish hovering. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, it’s a serene place to spend an afternoon underwater. Go early in the morning for the calmest conditions and fewer boats.
Kilwa & Southern Coast
Tanzania · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Remote and virtually unexplored diving along Tanzania's southern coastline with pristine reefs and the historic Kilwa Kisiwani ruins nearby.
Mafia Island
Tanzania · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Mafia Island, often overlooked for its flashier neighbours, holds a quiet charm for divers who appreciate uncrowded reefs. The diving here is wonderfully varied, from gentle coral gardens that we love to explore with newer divers, to exhilarating drift dives along walls peppered with unusual stony corals. Our favourite sites often involve following the current past whip corals and gorgonians, keeping an eye out for those tricky-to-spot black rock pipefish - they’re masters of disguise. What really sets Mafia apart, though, is the feeling of discovery. With only a handful of dive centres, you rarely share a site, and the reefs within the Marine Park feel genuinely healthy. We’ve had some incredible moments drifting alongside schools of bullet mackerel, and if you're there between October and March, the chance to snorkel with whale sharks is a real draw. While not strictly a dive, it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. Just be ready for varying visibility depending on the plankton blooms, especially during whale shark season.
Tanga & Usambara Coast
Tanzania · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Northern Tanzania's emerging dive area near the Kenyan border with healthy reefs, Pangani's historic coast, and whale shark sightings.
Zanzibar & Pemba
Tanzania · Indian Ocean & East Africa
Zanzibar and Pemba offer a real split personality when it comes to diving, and we love them both for different reasons. Off Zanzibar, Mnemba Atoll is our go-to for that classic Indian Ocean feel. We’re talking drift dives over reefs thick with fusiliers, the sun dappling through schools of surgeonfish, and almost guaranteed encounters with green sea turtles munching on seagrass. You’ll often spot bottlenose dolphins cruising the shallows here, too. Pemba, though, that’s where things get interesting for more experienced divers. The currents can be serious, but they bring in the goods. Think dramatic walls dropping hundreds of metres into the blue, where you’ll hang in the current watching trevally hunt and look out for bigger pelagics. The corals here are in exceptional shape, less visited than Zanzibar, with huge gorgonian fans and barrel sponges. Visibility in Pemba can be astounding, sometimes 30 metres plus, making those deep wall dives even more spectacular. We’d suggest focusing on Pemba for a truly raw, wild dive experience, saving Zanzibar for those easier, sun-drenched reef days.
Thailand(6 regions)
Gulf of Thailand
Thailand · Southeast Asia
The Gulf of Thailand, for us, is all about easy diving and those wonderful whale shark surprises at Sail Rock. We’ve had incredible luck there, watching them cruise past as schools of fusiliers dim the light. It’s also home to some decent wrecks, like the HTMS Sattakut, which attracts a fun mix of batfish and barracuda. The reefs around Koh Samui and Koh Phangan are mostly gentle slopes and pinnacles, perfect for beginners, though we always keep an eye out for those trickier currents at sites like Chumphon Pinnacle. Visibility often sits around 10-15m, a comfortable hazy blue, and you’ll spot plenty of flat needlefish zipping around the surface. We particularly love hunting for horseshoe crabs in the sandy patches, and the staghorn coral formations are surprisingly robust. Keep an eye out for the distinctive bronze featherback, not a common sight elsewhere. Our pick for a relaxed afternoon dive would be exploring the nooks and crannies for lined monocle bream.
Koh Lanta & Phi Phi
Thailand · Southeast Asia
For a corner of Thailand that gets its fair share of traffic, Koh Lanta and Phi Phi still deliver some truly excellent diving. We love it for the sheer variety, from the dramatic limestone structures of Phi Phi to the deeper, current-swept walls of Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. You’ll spend most dives drifting past big schools of fusiliers, often so thick they dim the light, or spotting leopard sharks snoozing on sandy patches. Our pick for a truly memorable day has to be Hin Daeng and Hin Muang. Those deep walls are just spectacular, sometimes dropping to 30 metres, covered in colourful soft corals that sway in the mild currents. Keep an eye out for larger pelagics here; we’ve had some incredible encounters with whale sharks in the past, usually between November and April. At Phi Phi, it's all about the topography - we’re talking swim-throughs and overhangs draped in sea fans, and of course, the ever-present leopard sharks. Visibility is generally solid, often 20 metres plus, especially from December to May, making it easy to spot everything from tiny spotted green gobies to pale-edged stingrays gliding along the reef. Just be prepared for other divers, particularly at Phi Phi; going early can often mean a quieter experience.
Koh Tao
Thailand · Southeast Asia
Koh Tao. Chances are, you know it as the world’s most popular place to get certified, and for good reason. It’s got a huge number of sites perfect for beginners, like Mango Bay, where you drift over sandy patches and watch juvenile reef fish dart between the anemones. We love the easy going vibe, perfect for building confidence. But look past the training dives and there's plenty to get excited about for the more experienced. Our favourite, without a doubt, is Chumphon Pinnacle. Drop down here and you’re immediately enveloped in shoals of fusiliers, so thick they almost block out the sun. We’ve seen juvenile scalloped hammerheads here on early morning dives, their silhouettes unmistakable against the blue. Another cracker is Sail Rock, technically between Koh Tao and Koh Phangan, but easily done as a day trip. It’s a huge granite pinnacle, often with a thermocline that brings in the bigger stuff - think barracuda walls and the occasional bowmouth guitarfish cruising by. Currents can be a bit frisky at both these sites, so plan accordingly. Visibility varies; during the summer months, it’s often 20m plus, but the plankton blooms in November can drop it down, though that’s often when the big pelagics appear.
Pattaya & Eastern Seaboard
Thailand · Southeast Asia
Accessible wreck diving and reef diving from Thailand's eastern coast. HTMS Khram and several artificial reefs support growing marine ecosystems.
Similan Islands
Thailand · Southeast Asia
The Similans, for us, are all about the sheer scale of the place. Those huge granite boulders, smoothed over millennia, create incredible swim-throughs and gulleys. You’ll feel tiny next to them, especially at sites like Elephant Head Rock, where the light plays off the formations in a truly dramatic way. We love watching the blue-fin trevally hunt through schools of fusiliers so thick they almost block the sun, particularly in the channels between islands. Visibility here is often phenomenal, 20 to 30 meters on a good day, letting you really appreciate the hard corals - lots of staghorn and honeycomb. Keep an eye out for blennies popping their heads from the coral, particularly the Lubbock's combtooth. While the Similans are often touted for manta rays, especially between December and April, we’ve had more consistent luck spotting them at Koh Bon or Koh Tachai, just a little further north. Richelieu Rock, while technically outside the Similans, is often combined in liveaboard trips and that’s where you’ll have your best chance for a whale shark encounter, typically late in the season. Current can pick up, so be ready for some exhilarating drifts, particularly around the pinnacles.
Surin Islands
Thailand · Southeast Asia
A marine national park near the Myanmar border with pristine shallow reefs, crystal visibility, and encounters with the Moken sea nomad people.
Timor-Leste(2 regions)
Atauro Island
Timor-Leste · Southeast Asia
Atauro Island, sitting pretty in the Banda Sea, really punches above its weight. We love the feeling of remoteness here, like you’ve stumbled onto a well-kept secret. The walls are what we come for, particularly the north and east sides, dropping into deep blue, often with a slight current to keep things interesting. You'll drift past monumental staghorn coral formations and schools of fusiliers so thick they sometimes block the light. During the drier months, roughly May to November, the visibility is often phenomenal, 30 metres plus, making those wall dives even more dramatic. Keep an eye out for the Cleaner Mimic wrasse darting between corals, and the vibrant Midnight Angelfish - they’re everywhere. The sheer number of species here is staggering, a real testament to Timor-Leste's commitment to marine conservation. We’d suggest staying a few days on the island itself; the evenings are quiet, just the sound of the ocean, and it gives you more time to explore those less-frequented sites.
Dili Coast
Timor-Leste · Southeast Asia
The Dili Coast offers a surprisingly accessible introduction to Timor-Leste's underwater world, a great starting point before heading further afield. We love the convenience of shore diving right from the capital, meaning no long boat rides. The conditions are generally calm, perfect for newer divers finding their fins. What you'll see here is a fascinating mix of muck and reef, quite unusual for a capital city. Our favourite dives are the muck sites, where patience pays off. We’ve spent hours watching Orangespotted Gobies tending their burrows, finding tiny Anchor Trunkfish hiding in the seagrass, and marveling at the bizarre Threespot Righteye Flounder camouflaged against the sand. The reefs, while not as dramatic as some of Timor-Leste's outer sites, still hold plenty of interest. Look for the clown anemonefish bobbing in their homes, schools of Longfin Bannerfish fluttering past, and the flash of a Yellowmargin Triggerfish disappearing into the coral. We'd suggest going early in the morning to beat any surface chop and to have the sites mostly to yourself. It's an honest, rewarding dive experience without the hype.
Tonga(3 regions)
Ha'apai Group
Tonga · Central & South Pacific
The Ha’apai Group is the Tonga you picture in your head, all deserted islands and slow island time. We love that it feels so remote, yet the diving is surprisingly approachable, especially if you’re a newer diver finding your fins. Here, the diving is mostly gentle drifts along pretty reef slopes, punctuated by the occasional wall or even a small wreck. What really makes Ha'apai shine, though, are the humpback whale encounters from July to October. We’ve found the reefs here aren't as dramatic as Vava'u's sheer drop-offs, but they’re still lovely, with schools of Black Butterflyfish darting through the shallows and the occasional bright flash of a Raggedtooth Parrotfish. Keep an eye out for the quieter residents too, like the Biocellate wrasse meticulously tending its patch. Visibility tends to be very good, giving you plenty of time to soak in the colours. Our favourite time to dive is early morning; the light is softer, and the reefs feel more alive before the day warms up too much. It’s not a place for big pelagic action generally, but the sheer joy of seeing whales surface nearby, or even hearing their song underwater, is what draws us back every time. Just be prepared for a slower pace, both above and below the surface.
Tongatapu
Tonga · Central & South Pacific
Tongatapu. For many, it’s the gateway to Tonga, and for us, it holds a special place, mostly because it’s where you can swim with humpbacks. Forget the boats, the cages; here, you’re just in the water with them, guided by some seriously experienced local operators. We love the sheer scale of the experience, that deep, resonant vocalisation you feel more than hear. Beyond the whales, which run from July to October, the reef diving around Tongatapu is solid, if not spectacular. We’re talking gentle slopes and healthy patches of staghorn coral, home to some interesting characters. Keep an eye out for the more unusual finds like the Oriental flying gurnard fanning its incredible fins, or the tiny, delicate blenny tucked into a crevice. The wreck site here offers a bit of contrast, with schools of manini swirling around the structure. Visibility generally hovers around 20 metres, offering a good clear view of whatever fish decide to cruise by. Our tip: go early for the best light on the reef.
Vava'u Group
Tonga · Central & South Pacific
Vava'u diving means caves and humpbacks. We love this northern Tongan group for its unique blend of cavern exploration and close encounters with the ocean's gentle giants. From July to October, the humpbacks migrate here to calve and breed, and it’s a truly incredible experience to hear their songs vibrating through the water as you descend. Even outside whale season, the diving is pretty special. Our favourite dive sites tend to be the caves; think 'Swallows Cave' or 'Mariner's Cave'. You’re not just looking at a wall of coral here; you're often swimming through tunnels and into vast, sun-dappled caverns, where the light plays off the walls and the sound of your own breath is amplified. The visibility often holds at a comfortable 20-25m, making those shafts of light particularly dramatic. Keep an eye out for the resident schools of Double-bar Goatfish and Sleek Unicornfish that patrol the cave entrances, and if you’re lucky, a Gardiner's Headshield Slug might be inching along a rock face. Currents are generally mild around the islands, making it a great spot for those getting comfortable with drift dives, though some outer reefs can pick up a bit of a push. We’d suggest going early in the morning to beat any potential small boat traffic at the more popular cave sites.
Trinidad & Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey(2 regions)
Bodrum
Turkey · Mediterranean & Europe
Bodrum often gets overlooked by divers heading to the Red Sea or further afield, and we think that’s a real shame. We love the Aegean coast for its sponge-covered reefs and the surprisingly varied macro life. You’ll find plenty of green shrimp tucked into crevices, and we’ve spotted the striking black leather sponge dominating certain walls. The caves are a highlight; we particularly enjoy the way the light filters in, illuminating schools of fusiliers. Currents here can be lively, typical of the Aegean, but they also bring in the nutrients that sustain the healthy reef. Our favourite dives are usually around the smaller islets, where you often get better visibility and a chance to spot things like the Atlantic Spotted Flounder blending into the sandy patches. Keep an eye out for seahorses in the seagrass beds, especially near the older wrecks. Diving early in the morning before the day boats get busy usually means calmer conditions and fewer divers sharing the same spot. It’s a solid choice for intermediate divers looking for something a bit different.
Kas & Kekova
Turkey · Mediterranean & Europe
Kas. Where do we even begin? It’s arguably Turkey’s diving capital, and honestly, we think that’s fair. You’ve got a fantastic mix here: ancient ruins, some truly atmospheric wrecks, and caverns that make for incredible natural light shows. We’ve always been big fans of the amphora fields, the sheer history of them is something else. Dive-wise, Kas delivers. We particularly love the Canyon, a proper swim-through that opens into a huge cavern. The light filtering down is just magic, trust us. Expect to see big schools of barracuda cruising past, and sometimes a grumpy studded pufferfish eyeing you from a rocky crevice. The reefs here aren’t always technicolour, but they’re alive - look for the deep purple of black leather sponges and the shimmering scales of rhomboid sweepers. For wreck lovers, there’s the ‘Flying Fish’ wreck, a WWII Italian torpedo bomber that’s surprisingly intact. It’s a slightly deeper dive, but worth it for the sense of history. Currents can pick up, especially around some of the pinnacles, so keep an eye on the dive brief. Early mornings often offer the best visibility before the day boats get busy.
Turks & Caicos(4 regions)
Grand Turk
Turks & Caicos · Caribbean
The historic capital island features a dramatic wall starting just 300 metres from shore, dropping into the 2,000-metre-deep Columbus Passage. Pristine coral, eagle rays, and whale watching in season.
Providenciales
Turks & Caicos · Caribbean
Providenciales diving is all about those dramatic walls, and frankly, we’re here for it. Northwest Point is our favourite for its sheer drop-offs, starting in just 10-12 metres of water before plunging down into the abyss. You’ll often hang out with reef sharks patrolling the ledge, maybe spot a friendly hogfish nosing around the sponges. The current can pick up here, so good buoyancy is key, but it also brings in the bigger stuff - sometimes even a sperm whale on its travels. Grace Bay’s barrier reef offers a different flavour, less about the deep blue and more about intricate reef structures. We’ve seen some huge mutton snapper here, and the smaller stuff like peppered gobies and reef scorpionfish hide in plain sight if you know where to look. Visibility is usually excellent, 25-30 metres on a good day, making it easy to spot those distant schools of Caesar. For a real treat, visit between December and April; it’s humpback whale season, and their songs echo through the water, a truly chilling experience even if you don't see them.
Salt Cay
Turks & Caicos · Caribbean
A tiny, tranquil island famous for humpback whale encounters during migration season. The wall diving is pristine and virtually unvisited, offering a true Robinson Crusoe diving experience.
South Caicos
Turks & Caicos · Caribbean
Known as the 'Big South' with exceptional wall diving, drift dives through channels, and encounters with eagle rays and sharks in nutrient-rich waters. An uncrowded alternative to Provo.
Tuvalu
United Arab Emirates(2 regions)
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates · Red Sea & Middle East
Diving Dubai and Abu Dhabi isn't about natural coral landscapes; it's about the grit and ingenuity of man-made reefs and forgotten wrecks. We love the sheer variety of artificial structures here, from purpose-sunk ships to fabricated habitats that have become surprising havens for marine life. You'll spend most of your time exploring wrecks, where schools of Indian scad and coastal trevally swirl around the superstructure, or cruising over artificial reefs thick with favites and turbinaria corals. Look closely for the supreme limu, a local nudibranch, and keep an eye out for longnose trevally patrolling the deeper sections. Visibility can vary quite a bit, but we’ve had some cracking dives with 15-20 meters, especially outside the busy summer months. Currents are generally manageable, making it a good spot for beginners on some of the shallower sites, but the wrecks definitely cater to the intermediate and advanced diver. Our favourite time to dive is definitely the cooler months, roughly October to April, when the water temperatures are pleasant and surface conditions tend to be calmer. Don’t expect vibrant coral gardens like the Red Sea, but do expect intriguing encounters and a unique perspective on how life adapts to new environments.
Fujairah
United Arab Emirates · Red Sea & Middle East
Fujairah often gets overlooked, but honestly, we think that's part of its charm. It’s a completely different vibe from the glitz of Dubai, and the diving reflects that. Here on the Gulf of Oman side, you're looking at a mix of wrecks and reefs, generally pretty accessible. We love the easy boat rides out to sites like Inchcape 1 or Martini Rock, where you can often spot slender threadfin bream schooling over the corals. Visibility can swing a bit depending on the plankton blooms - sometimes it’s a calm 15 metres, other days it’s closer to 5 metres, but that often means more pelagics. We’ve had incredible encounters with bigeye houndsharks gliding through the deeper sections, especially around the pinnacles. For macro enthusiasts, keep an eye out for banded cleaner shrimp tucked into anemones; they’re everywhere if you know where to look. Our favourite is exploring the wrecks, feeling the slight current push you gently over the metal, imagining the stories they hold. The coral, while not always vibrant, has some interesting structures, particularly the staghorn and pagoda varieties, creating nice hiding spots for smaller reef fish. It's not a 'wow' every dive, but it's consistently enjoyable and offers a proper escape.
United Kingdom(5 regions)
Cornwall & Devon
United Kingdom · Mediterranean & Europe
Forget the tropical brochures for a minute. We love a good challenge, and the UK’s southwest coast, particularly Cornwall and Devon, delivers something genuinely unique. This isn't about big pelagics or technicolor coral; it's about history, rugged beauty, and a surprising abundance of temperate marine life. Diving here is all about the wreck. They line the coast, hundreds of them, from ancient sailing vessels to more modern freighters. Dropping onto a site like the **SS James Eagan Layne**, resting at 20m, you feel the weight of history. The visibility can vary, sure, but on a good day, sunlight filters through the kelp, illuminating shoals of bib darting through the rusted hull, and you’ll spot a common lobster peering out from a crevice. It’s atmospheric, a real dive into the past. We often find ourselves scanning the seabed for sand eels, and if you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a porbeagle cruising by offshore, particularly in late summer. For macro enthusiasts, the sea fans and sponges are home to an impressive array of nudibranchs, and we’ve spent many a decompression stop watching transparent gobies flit around rocky outcrops. Conditions can be brisk, especially outside of summer, but the rewards are always there. Bring a good drysuit, be ready for some current on certain sites, and you'll come away with some incredible memories.
Northumberland & Northeast
United Kingdom · Mediterranean & Europe
Northumberland and the Northeast might just be our favourite UK cold-water secret. Forget everything you think you know about diving in Britain, because this region delivers a proper punch. We’re talking about the Farne Islands, where grey seals don’t just tolerate you, they actively *play* with you. Seriously, a seal puppy nudging your camera or tugging your fin is a regular occurrence here. Beyond the playful seals, the region’s coastline is littered with dramatic wrecks, some lying intact since the World Wars, now encrusted in plumose anemones and home to curious cuckoo skates. We often find ourselves drifting along reefs, spotting common pipefish tucked into kelp, or catching a flash of red mullet. Visibility can swing, but on a good day, sunlight filters down through the green water, illuminating swaying kelp forests and the occasional pink sea fan. For those crisp, clear winter days, the diving is truly special.
Scapa Flow, Orkney
United Kingdom · Mediterranean & Europe
Scapa Flow isn't just diving, it’s a journey through time. We’re talking about the scuttled German High Seas Fleet from 1919 - this isn't some scattered debris, these are massive battleships and cruisers, largely intact. Dropping down onto the *SMS Brummer* or the *SMS Coln*, you feel the sheer scale of these wrecks immediately. The metal structures loom out of the green gloom, often adorned with plumose anemones, and you’ll pass through gaping shell holes or into vast, empty holds. Visibility can swing wildly, but when it's good, seeing these giants emerge is incredible. We love the feeling of the history pressing in on you. It’s a cold dive, so drysuits are non-negotiable, and a good dive guide is essential to navigate the wrecks and currents. The sheer number of sites means you could spend weeks here and still not see it all. Our favourite time to visit is late spring, when the weather starts to settle but before the summer crowds, though "crowds" is a relative term here. It's a deep, dark, and utterly compelling experience.
Scottish East Coast & Borders
United Kingdom · Mediterranean & Europe
Forget what you think you know about UK diving, because the Scottish East Coast and Borders punches well above its weight. St Abbs Head, in particular, is where we always head first. It's a shore diver's dream, with rocky reefs draped in plumose anemones and dead man's fingers. You'll find wolf fish peering from cracks, lobsters scuttling, and seals often curious enough to join your dive. We love that chilly plunge, the way the kelp fronds sway, and the distinct taste of salt and sea mist in the air as you surface. Visibility is generally good here, though it can drop after heavy rain. Our favourite time to visit is late summer or early autumn. The water is a touch warmer, and the light filtering through the kelp creates an almost ethereal glow. Be prepared for strong currents at certain tides, especially around headlands; always check with local centres. We find the marine life here to be incredibly resilient and always surprising. Think less tropical flash, more rugged, wild beauty. The sheer number of dive sites, over 900, means you'll never run out of new places to explore.
Scottish West Coast
United Kingdom · Mediterranean & Europe
Forget your preconceptions about UK diving. The Scottish West Coast, particularly the Sound of Mull, is a different beast entirely. We love the dramatic wreck diving here; it’s like exploring a submerged museum, with over 30 historic ships nestled in relatively sheltered sea lochs. The cold, nutrient-rich Atlantic waters may demand a drysuit, but they fuel incredibly dense soft coral growth. Think vibrant orange and pink finger corals spilling over everything, contrasting beautifully with thick kelp forests that sway like underwater trees. Our favourite time to visit is late spring, when the water begins to warm slightly, and you have a better chance of spotting playful seals or even the occasional basking shark cruising the surface. Visibility, while never tropical, can be surprisingly good on a calm day, often reaching 10-15 metres, letting you really appreciate the scale of a wreck like the Hispania. Look closely for lumpsuckers tucked into crevices or the shy, fascinating Black-bellied angler on a silty seabed. It’s a place for divers who appreciate atmosphere and the sheer resilience of marine life in a truly wild environment. Expect serious character, not just pretty colours.
United States(12 regions)
Alaska
United States · North America
Okay, Alaska. Let's just be clear: this isn't your average warm-water escape. This is serious cold-water diving, often extreme, and it demands respect. But if you're prepared, the rewards are genuinely unlike anywhere else we've been. Picture yourself descending into thick kelp forests, the fronds swaying like ancient underwater trees, while sea otters frolic nearby, completely oblivious to your presence. We love the sheer wildness of it here, the feeling of diving in genuinely untouched waters where every dive feels like an exploration. Our favorite experiences often involve encounters with Steller sea lions, their immense size and curious nature making for truly exhilarating dives. The visibility can be surprisingly good, sometimes stretching 20 meters, letting you appreciate the scale of the underwater landscape, from rugged pinnacles to deep reefs. You'll find a world dominated by various nudibranchs, wolf eels peeking from their lairs, and a surprising array of invertebrates like the vibrant parrot shrimp or the peculiar four-spined squat lobster. Don't forget Dutch Harbor for some fascinating WWII wreck diving, a stark contrast to the natural beauty but equally compelling. This isn't a place for casual divers; currents can be strong, and the water is always cold, even in summer. But for those seeking something raw, wild, and utterly unique, Alaska delivers.
California
United States · North America
California diving, for us, is all about the kelp. Forget your tropical corals for a moment; the sensation of drifting through a towering kelp forest, light dappling through the canopy, is something else entirely. We're talking the Channel Islands, where the giant kelp sways like a hypnotic underwater cathedral. You'll often find sea lions zipping playfully through the fronds, their inquisitive eyes checking you out. Monterey Bay offers a different vibe, often a bit chillier but equally rewarding. The sheer volume of life you find in that marine sanctuary is astounding. Think nudibranchs in every colour imaginable, grumpy-looking lingcod peering from crevices, and the occasional curious harbor seal. La Jolla, further south, has its seasonal draw: leopard sharks gathering in the shallows during late summer and early autumn. It's a surreal experience to fin gently among dozens of these docile creatures. Currents can be a factor, especially at the Channel Islands, so it’s wise to pick your days and chat with the local dive operators. We always pack an extra layer for surface intervals here, even on sunny days.
Florida Keys
United States · North America
The Keys are a classic for a reason. We love diving here for its sheer accessibility to proper reef diving, a rarity in the continental US. You can be out on the boat, splashing in, and staring down at a curious green moray or a school of jacks within an hour of leaving the dock. It’s not the wildest reef you’ll ever see, but it consistently delivers solid reef dives, especially around John Pennekamp State Park and Looe Key. Our favourite time to visit is late spring or early autumn, when the summer crowds have thinned but the water is still bathtub warm. Visibility can hit 25 metres on a good day. You’ll spend your bottom time cruising colourful shallow reefs, spotting parrotfish munching away, or keeping an eye out for a passing bonnethead shark. The wrecks, like the Spiegel Grove, are fantastic artificial reefs too, quickly becoming home to grouper and a surprising number of tenpounders. Just be mindful of currents, particularly on deeper wrecks; they can pick up fast.
Florida Springs
United States · North America
The Florida Springs are a different kind of dive, and we absolutely love them for it. Forget the ocean, here it’s all about the astonishing clarity of freshwater at a constant 22°C. Drifting through Ginnie Springs, the light rays pierce the water like spotlights, illuminating schools of tiny Inland Silversides, and if you’re lucky, you might spot a lazy Tarpon hanging in the current. Our top pick has to be Devil's Den - it’s a bit of a surreal experience, diving into what feels like a prehistoric cave with steam rising off the water in cooler months. We’d suggest going early to avoid the crowds, especially at Blue Spring when the manatees congregate in winter. The geology alone is worth the trip; those ancient limestone formations and the sheer power of the spring boils are genuinely captivating. It's a remarkably easy dive too, perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring the silent, sun-dappled caverns and spotting little Killifish darting amongst the aquatic plants.
Great Lakes
United States · North America
Forget everything you think you know about diving in North America. The Great Lakes are not about swaying corals or colourful reef fish, they’re about history, frozen in time. We’re talking freshwater wreck diving, and the cold, fresh water here means many of these shipwrecks are incredibly well-preserved. You might find a mast still standing, deck machinery intact, or even bottles and crockery scattered on the deck, especially around Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. It’s a completely different kind of dive, often surprisingly clear, and for history buffs, it’s absolutely captivating.
Hawaii
United States · North America
Diving Hawaii often means one thing to us: Big Island. The Kona coast, in particular, delivers that unique blend of volcanic drama above and below the surface. We love the manta ray night dives here. Drifting in the inky blackness, surrounded by these gentle giants as they barrel roll through the dive lights, scooping up plankton - it's pure magic. Beyond the mantas, you'll find incredible lava tube caves, some so vast you can surface inside them, the light filtering down from cracks above. We’ve had some memorable encounters with Hawaiian monk seals; watching them glide effortlessly past, curious but always keeping their distance, is a real treat. Green sea turtles are a constant, munching on algae or resting on ledges. While the coral isn't always the most colourful compared to other Pacific spots, the topography, with its arches, swim-throughs, and dramatic drop-offs, more than makes up for it. Visibility is usually excellent, especially on the leeward side. If you're looking for bigger pelagics, try some of the deeper pinnacles or venture further offshore; we've heard whispers of blue sharks and even shortfin makos, though we haven't personally been lucky enough to spot them on scuba.
New England
United States · North America
New England diving. It’s certainly not for everyone, but if you’re into temperate water and a bit of history, we reckon it’s absolutely worth a look. Think thick kelp forests swaying in the current, big lobsters scuttling across the rocks, and a real sense of rugged coastal adventure. Our favourite dives here often involve exploring old fishing wrecks, their wooden bones slowly reclaimed by the ocean, now home to schools of striped bass and curious tautog. Visibility can be a bit of a mixed bag - sometimes you’ll get 20 metres of glorious green, other days it’s more like five, especially after a good storm. But that's part of the charm, the challenge. We love the thrill of descending into that cooler water, feeling the chill on your cheeks, then watching an enormous cod materialise out of the gloom. For the serious wreck heads, the Andrea Doria is the big draw, a truly iconic deep dive for technical divers, but there are plenty of shallower, less famous wrecks that offer a fantastic intermediate experience too. Pack a thick wetsuit or, even better, a drysuit; you'll thank us later. Summer and early autumn give you the best conditions, with the water hitting its warmest, but even then, it’s a refreshing dip.
North Carolina
United States · North America
North Carolina diving, for us, means one thing: sharks and wrecks. The 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' isn't just a catchy name; it’s a living museum of WWII U-boats and other maritime history. We’re talking about metal skeletons draped in soft corals, big enough to swim through, attracting schools of baitfish that shimmer like liquid silver. The real stars here are the sand tiger sharks, often seen in aggregations so dense it feels like you're diving in a shark traffic jam, especially from late spring through early autumn. We love the sheer scale of the wrecks, like the U-352 or the Papoose, which provide amazing swim-throughs and shelter for colossal schools of amberjack. Visibility can vary, but on a good day, watching those sand tigers cruise lazily past, their jagged teeth on full display, is just magic. It’s mostly intermediate diving due to the currents that feed all that life, but the rewards are massive. Our favourite time to visit is September, after the summer crowds thin out a bit, but the water is still warm and the sharks are still around in numbers. Don't forget your bigger torch; some of those interior passages are properly dark.
Pacific Northwest
United States · North America
Forget the palm trees; we’re talking about a different kind of magic in the Pacific Northwest. Diving here means pulling on a drysuit and dropping into an emerald world of giant Pacific octopus, their arms unfurling from rocky dens, and the curious, craggy faces of wolf eels peering from crevices. It’s an immersion into a genuinely rich cold-water ecosystem, a stark contrast to the tropics but no less captivating. We love the San Juan Islands, especially for their strong currents that bring in nutrients, attracting schools of Pacific herring so thick they dim the light. Our favourite time to dive is late spring or early autumn; the water is a touch warmer, and visibility tends to be at its best after the winter rains have settled. Look for the delicate, almost translucent Slender Sole blending into the sandy bottom, and keep an eye out overhead for the Common Loon diving for its dinner. Yes, the entries can be a bit rugged, and those currents demand respect, but the reward is a truly unique dive experience, full of life and a quiet, ancient beauty.
South Carolina & Georgia
United States · North America
Artificial reef programs, ledge diving, and the Cooper River fossil diving for megalodon teeth. Sand tiger sharks patrol the offshore ledges.
Texas & Gulf Coast
United States · North America
Artificial reefs and oil rig diving in the Gulf of Mexico. The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary hosts the northernmost coral reefs in the US.
US Virgin Islands
United States · North America
St. Croix's famous Buck Island reef, St. Thomas's wreck diving, and St. John's pristine national park reefs in warm Caribbean waters.
US Virgin Islands(2 regions)
St. Croix
US Virgin Islands · Caribbean
St. Croix offers some seriously compelling Caribbean diving. What we really love is the sheer variety for an island this size. You’ve got the famous wall, plunging dramatically off the north shore, and then the more gentle, sprawling reefs around Buck Island. The wall dives are often drift dives, and we’d suggest trying to get on an early boat to catch the wall waking up, before the bigger boats arrive. Visibility here is generally good, often pushing 25 meters, and the water stays bathtub warm all year. We've had fantastic encounters with trumpetfish hanging vertically, perfectly camouflaged, and the subtle beauty of orangeside gobies perched on corals. Keep an eye out for mimic blennies, they’re masters of disguise and a real treat if you spot one. The wreck of the Rosaomaira, or Butler Bay Wreck as it’s often called, is a fun penetration dive for those with the right certs, but even swimming over the top of it is cool. It’s got a classic Caribbean vibe, laid-back with proper dive ops. We’d recommend heading out to Buck Island for a snorkel or a shallow dive; the elkhorn coral formations are truly something special and often overlooked.
St. Thomas & St. John
US Virgin Islands · Caribbean
St. Thomas and St. John diving, we’ve found, often gets a casual nod, but it’s worth a deeper look. These twin islands offer a relaxed pace, and while you won’t always be chasing megafauna, the macro life and coral formations here are genuinely captivating. Dive the pinnacle reefs, and you’ll often find schools of Creole Wrasse shimmering, while the wrecks hold secrets like the curious Shortchin Stargazer, buried in the sand. We love the way the sunlight filters through the Elkhorn coral gardens, especially on a calm morning, illuminating the Olive Chromis darting in and out. For something a little different, keep an eye out for the Bearded Goby tucked away in the crevices. The Virgin Islands Coral Reef National Monument is a real highlight, providing some remarkably healthy coral stretches that sometimes feel overlooked. Our tip: go slow, bring a good macro lens, and look for the Naked Blennies, they’re everywhere once you start seeing them. Currents are generally manageable, making it an excellent spot for honing those buoyancy skills and really observing the smaller details.
Vanuatu(2 regions)
Espiritu Santo
Vanuatu · Central & South Pacific
Espiritu Santo isn't just a dive destination; it's a history lesson you can swim through. We love it for the sheer scale of the SS President Coolidge, a monstrous wreck that swallows you whole. Dropping onto her deck in 20m of water, you feel the weight of history, seeing the cargo holds crammed with Jeeps and cannons. Our favourite spots are the medical supplies in the infirmary, still neatly stacked, and the "Lady" statue in the ballroom, a poignant reminder of lives lived and lost. Visibility here can be 20-30m on a good day, but it’s the Coolidge that truly captivates, not the reef fish, though we've spotted plenty of Parrotfish grazing the coral that's started to colonise the wreck. The currents can be mild to moderate, especially around the bow, so we always suggest paying attention to the brief. Beyond the Coolidge, Million Dollar Point offers a quirky dive, an artificial reef born from discarded WWII equipment - a strange, beautiful graveyard of bulldozers and Coca-Cola bottles. It’s an easy dive, great for beginners, while the Coolidge is definitely for the advanced diver. We'd suggest getting a few dives under your belt before tackling the deeper penetration dives, but even just exploring the exterior is incredible.
Port Vila & Efate
Vanuatu · Central & South Pacific
Port Vila diving is a pleasant surprise, especially if you're already on Efate for other reasons. We love that you get a solid mix here: some decent reefs, a few interesting wrecks, and those cool cathedral caves. Think about heading to the Semle Federsen wreck, it's our favourite for the way light beams pierce through the deck hatches creating an ethereal glow. The reef diving won't blow your mind like some of Vanuatu’s more remote spots, but it’s still enjoyable. We’ve seen plenty of Indo-Pacific sergeants schooling on the plate corals, and if you’re patient, you might spot a Spinnaker Whiptail darting around. Keep an eye out for Freckled Anglerfish too; they blend in incredibly well. The caves are where it gets really fun, the light plays tricks on you, making the colours shift as you move through. Currents can pick up, particularly on some of the outer reefs, so be ready for a drift. Overall, it’s a great addition to a Vanuatu trip, offering a relaxed approach to some varied underwater scenery.
Venezuela(2 regions)
Los Roques Archipelago
Venezuela · South America
Los Roques is a place we’ve talked about extensively. It’s a national park, which means the reefs are in genuinely good shape, and the water clarity is something you’ll remember long after you’ve toweled off. We’re talking about consistently excellent visibility, often pushing past 30 metres, which is a real treat for photographers. We love the feeling of drifting along the reef here, spotting big schools of snapper and grunt, the occasional curious angelfish, and some impressive parrotfish munching on the corals. Keep an eye out for the Florida pompano; they’re often zipping around. The Chain Moray is another common sight, peeking out from crevices. Our favourite thing to do is find a quiet spot and just watch the reef ecosystem go about its business - there’s a quiet hum to it all. It’s not about huge pelagics here, though you might get lucky. It’s about healthy reef systems and the smaller, fascinating details. The wreck is a nice change of pace, too. Currents are generally manageable, making it an easy-going dive for most levels.
Morrocoy & Chichiriviche
Venezuela · South America
Morrocoy, with its scattered islands and mainland mangroves, isn’t about huge pelagics or dramatic drop-offs. It’s about the smaller things, the quiet details you might miss if you’re always looking out to sea. We love the feeling of slipping into the calm, warm water, especially around the leeward side of places like Cayo Sombrero. You’ll spend most dives between 10 and 18 metres, often drifting gently over patch reefs or alongside a quiet wall. Our favourite dives often involve a slow cruise, letting the current do the work while we hunt for Slender Filefish tucked into gorgonians or watch Atlantic Lookdowns shimmer past. Keep an eye out for the Elliptical star coral and Great star coral formations - they’re pretty spectacular in their own right, and often host Christmas tree worms in every colour you can imagine. We’d suggest focusing on the morning dives; the light penetration through the shallows is just gorgeous, really bringing out the reds and oranges of the sponges. Conditions here are generally very mellow, making it a super spot for getting back into the swing of things after a break, or for newer divers.
Vietnam(5 regions)
Con Dao Islands
Vietnam · Southeast Asia
Remote archipelago off Vietnam's south coast with pristine reefs, green turtle nesting beaches, and dugong sightings in protected waters.
Hoi An & Cu Lao Cham
Vietnam · Southeast Asia
Hoi An and Cu Lao Cham offer a really unique blend of diving and culture, especially since you’re right on the doorstep of the ancient town. We love how easy it is to combine a morning underwater with an afternoon exploring the old streets. The diving itself around the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park often feels like a well-kept secret, though we’ve seen a few more boats lately. You'll find gentle coral gardens, mostly at depths around 10 to 18 metres, with plenty of reef fish like fusiliers and damselfish flitting about. Keep your eyes peeled for nudibranchs, particularly the Common delphinula, which we find beautiful. Visibility can be a bit variable, averaging 10-15 metres, but on a good day, the light plays wonderfully through the shallows. We've had a few incredible encounters with loggerhead turtles here, slowly making their way across the reef, completely unfazed by us. We’d suggest going in the morning to beat the heat and catch the best light. It’s not a place for huge pelagics, but if you’re into macro and enjoying a quiet reef, it’s a winner.
Nha Trang
Vietnam · Southeast Asia
Nha Trang has long been Vietnam’s dive hub, and we think it earns that reputation for straightforward, colourful diving. Mostly, you’ll be exploring the reefs within the Hon Mun Marine Protected Area, and we’re big fans of the soft coral displays here. Expect plenty of nudibranchs if you’ve got a good eye, and for macro lovers, there’s a solid chance of spotting seahorses tucked into the coral. What we love most about Nha Trang is its accessibility. The dive sites are generally shallow and calm, making it a brilliant spot for newer divers or those looking for an easy day out underwater. Visibility hovers around 10-15 metres on a good day, but sometimes drops lower, so don’t expect wide-angle perfection. Instead, focus on the details: the Cleaner Mimic darting around, the tiny Sidespotted Dragonets on the sand, or a bold Grammistes Blenny peeking from a crevice. We’ve had some cracking dives just watching the Bicolor Chromis schooling above the coral heads. Dive early to beat the crowds, especially at more popular sites, and keep an eye out for Centreboard Leatherjackets schooling in the blue. It’s not grand pelagic action, but for relaxed, colourful reef time, Nha Trang is a solid choice.
Phu Quoc
Vietnam · Southeast Asia
Gulf of Thailand island paradise with healthy coral reefs, gentle currents, and abundant tropical fish. An emerging destination.
Whale Island & Van Phong Bay
Vietnam · Southeast Asia
A remote bay with seasonal whale shark visits and healthy reef systems.